Kostunica: Meeting in New York will show the strength of Serbia’s arguments on Kosovo
Serbian Prime Minister Vojislav Kostunica said the direct talks between Belgrade and Pristina in New York City on September 28 will show the strength of Belgrade’s arguments and that the meeting could represent a decisive moment in the push for a solution in accordance with international law.
(KosovoCompromise Staff) Sunday, September 23, 2007
He said his government would make every effort to prevent a unilateral declaration of Kosovo's independence and that its recognition would be a gross violation of international law.
Kostunica warned the United States and the Kosovo Albanians that they would be responsible for devastating violence if they "snatch" Kosovo and declare it independent. "This time, they will implement a different strategy -- unilateral recognition of independent Kosovo," Kostunica said.
Asked what Serbia could do to prevent that, Kostunica said: "One must clearly warn of devastating consequences of such violence, which has not happened since the U.N. was established. And that's what we do all the time."
Responding to a question on whether Serbia would send in troops if Kosovo declared independence, he said: "Our attention right now is focused on making sure there is no unilateral declaration of independence. And if it happens, to make sure that our ties with our people in the province remain unbroken."
"The intention was, swiftly, quietly and in the dark so that no one can see it, to snatch a part of territory from Serbia. We have managed to turn on the light and ignite a huge debate," he said.
He accused NATO of initiating the idea of Kosovo's independence. Kostunica stressed NATO insists on the Marrti Ahtisaari plan, because it would give the alliance unlimited power in the province, according to the Annex 11 of the proposal. According to him, direct talks between Belgrade and Pristina are the best path to a sustainable solution for the future of the province.
Serbian Prime Minister also met visiting Chinese vice foreign minister Qiao Zonghuai on Friday.
"Serbia highly appreciates China's principled position on the necessity to respect international law and the UN Charter guaranteeing sovereignty and territorial integrity of internationally recognized states," Kostunica said at the meeting.
Kostunica expressed Serbian government's support to the one-China policy.
The Chinese deputy chief of diplomacy highlighted that his country, as permanent member of the UN Security Council, "respects the UN Charter." "China supports talks between Belgrade and Pristina without time limitations. The solution cannot be imposed as it would have serious consequences, as the only solution possible is that both sides agree on," Qiao pointed out.
