Putin: Why break up international law over Kosovo?
Russian President Vladimir Putin urged the United States and the European Union to show utmost restraint and patience over the Kosovo issue, and repeated that Moscow was firmly against the plan drafted by former Finnish president Martti Ahtisaari due to its violation of international law.
(KosovoCompromise Staff) Friday, October 26, 2007
"Why upset the principles of international law by encouraging separatism in Europe.
Don't you have enough problems in Spain, in Belgium?", Putin said.
"Why is it necessary to continue shaking up the foundations of international law by encouraging and promoting separatism in Europe and ex-Soviet republics?" the Russian leader asked on a press conference.
"Wouldn't it be better to be patient and attempt to find a solution under international law that would satisfy all conflicting parties?"
Russia also stood firm against any unilateral decisions in regard with Kosovo's status, saying that the deadline for negotiations between Belgrade and Pristina could be extended behind the December 10 deadline.
"December 11 will come. Russia is, above all, against unilateral decisions because those decisions never work", Russian ambassador to the European Union Vladimir Chizhov told the Vienna daily "Standard".
Ambassador Chizhov reaffirmed the Russian position on Kosovo issue, saying that the international community should insist on negotiated solution.
"In any other case, we will face huge problems in all other cases, from Spain to Cyprus, from Tibet to Taiwan", the Russian diplomat said.
