Russia, Serbia call for continuation of Kosovo talks
Russia and Serbia have called on the UN Security Council to extend the negotiations on Kosovo’s future status, claiming that such important issues can only be resolved through compromise.
(KosovoCompromise Staff) Monday, December 10, 2007
Russian ambassador to the UN Vitaly Churkin said that in the Security Council Russia would advocate the continuation of talks on the future of Kosovo, even through the talks held so far had not resolved the matter.
"When the time comes to review the Troika's report in the Security Council, Russia will present arguments in favor of continuing the negotiations," Churkin said.
According to him, such important issues as Kosovo can be resolved only through negotiations and compromise, and a unilateral declaration of independence of the breakaway Serbian province would be a dangerous precedent for the whole world.
Serbian Prime Minister Vojislav Kostunica also called for the continuation of talks, saying that Serbia was ready to launch a new round of negotiations immediately.
"Serbia wants to negotiate and it is necessary to find a political and democratic solution for the province through new talks. In Europe, a solution for every, even much smaller problem than Kosovo, is sought through negotiations, and it is unthinkable that someone refuses to negotiate and opts for unilateral solutions," the prime minister said.
According to him, it is of utmost importance that the Security Council back Russia's proposal, and Serbia is fully supporting this constructive Russian initiative that will allow for the avoiding of a major crisis.
"For its part, Serbia is giving its own contribution to this proposal by voicing readiness to have the new negotiations begin at any given town in the province, and then have the next round held in Belgrade. Serbia calls on all sides not to dismiss talks as the only way to reach a solution and avoid an immense and long-lasting crisis," Kostunica added.
