Jeremic: Diplomacy against unilaterally proclaimed independence

"Over 50,000 Kosovo Albanians took part in the premediated and well organized campaign of ethnic cleansing against Serbs on March 17-19, 2004,"Jeremic said.

"In less than 72 hours, 35 churches and monasteries were set on fire, many of which date back to the 14th century or even further away in history, which represents an irretrievable loss for the mankind. Dozens of people were killed. Several thousand were wounded. Thousands of houses and shops were leveled to the ground. More than 8,000 Kosovo Serbs were expelled from their homes."

"The democratic Serbia opposes Kosovo's unilateral declaration of independence by using only peaceful and diplomatic resources and it will never, under any circumstances, recognize the secession, whether directly or indirectly," Jeremic noted.

The past three years have shown that there is no alternative to compromise, which can only be reached through negotiations, the minister argued, adding that dialogue is the only way to peace in Kosovo.

The talks between Belgrade and Pristina that started several days ago are a good start, he pointed out.

"Results will not be lacking if both sides show good will and honestly try to find solutions, which will lead to a mutually acceptable compromise," said Jeremic.

"Peace between Serbs and Albanians should be the outcome of the talks and it should be based on true reconciliation, because there can be no stable and safe future for that part of Europe without reconciliation," Jeremić asserted.

"War crimes must not be denied and the horrific claims put forth in the Council of Europe (CoE) report on illicit human organ trafficking in Kosovo, which was recently adopted by the CoE Parliamentary Assembly, must be investigated as soon as possible and the truth laid bare," he stressed