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The Government of the Republic of Serbia

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Solution to Kosovo issue unattainable without compromise

Belgrade/Sofia, 19 December 2005

Serbian Prime Minister Vojislav Kostunica said yesterday that it is impossible to find a solution to the issue of Kosovo-Metohija without a compromise.

Vojislav Kostunica

In an interview to the Bulgarian National News Agency (BTA) and the Bulgarian National Radio (BNR) ahead of his official visit to Bulgaria, Kostunica pointed out that he sees no compromise in the possibility that Kosovo-Metohija becomes independent.

"It is not a compromise. Even if we try to find something appealing in this solution, for instance that this independence could be conditional, it is unacceptable for us", stressed Kostunica.

He said he will also discuss with Bulgarian top officials the ways in which Serbia and Bulgaria can contribute to the stability in the Balkans, especially when it comes to Kosovo-Metohija.

According to Kostunica, the way the issue of Kosovo-Metohija is solved will have great significance and influence on similar problems in Europe and other countries.

He said that the solution should be sought in the ideas of EU integration that is within Serbia-Montenegro's existing borders, all the while preserving its sovereignty and territorial integrity, and finding the appropriate degree of wide essential autonomy for the province.

Any other solution will lead to a further destabilisation of the region instead of its Europeanisation, Kostunica pointed out adding that any concept involving the change of borders of Balkan states is a risk in itself.

"The least we can do for stability in the Balkans is not to play with state borders, which was the case in the previous century and earlier", stressed the Prime Minister.

He said that Serbia's bilateral relations with Bulgaria are more than satisfactory, adding that it is necessary to further improve their relations regarding the economy and infrastructure.

He therefore mentioned the construction of the Nis-Sofia highway, modernisation of the railway system between the countries, and the issue of air traffic and the gas pipeline.

Kostunica also pointed out that official Belgrade is interested in the status of the Bulgarian minority in Serbia. This national minority has its own council and a representative in the Serbian National Minorities Council, he added.

Speaking about Serbia's European orientation, Kostunica said that the country's most important task is to sign the Stabilisation and Association Agreement with the EU, which should take place within a year.

Until then, several important laws have to be adopted, as well as Serbia's new constitution, because the current one does not provide solutions to the problem Serbia is faced with at the moment, said Kostunica.

"The perspective standing before Serbia-Montenegro is a European one, leading towards integration and not disintegration, and in this context we should mention the issue of Kosovo-Metohija", he added.

Speaking about Serbia's relations with Montenegro, he said that all matters between the members of the state union should be settled in line with its Constitutional Charter and mutual EU integrations.

"It is more than clear that it is necessary for Serbia-Montenegro to cooperate with the Hague Tribunal. On one hand, there is determination to conclude the cooperation with the Tribunal, and on the other hand, the problem is that despite all efforts on the part of the government, the remaining indictees are still beyond its reach", concluded Kostunica.