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The Government of the Republic of Serbia

In the service of citizens

Through compromise of both sides to solution for Kosovo-Metohija

Belgrade, 27 December 2005

Serbian Prime Minister Vojislav Kostunica pointed out today at a meeting with Italian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Gianfranco Fini that the basic principle on which international law is founded, which is the principle of sovereignty and territorial integrity of states, must be respected when solving the issue of Kosovo-Metohija’s status.

Kostunica said that the outcome of talks on the province's status must not be prejudged, and that the solution should result from a compromise of both sides and be in line with international law principles and the UN Charter. He added that the authorities in Belgrade will do their best to enable essential autonomy for Kosovo-Metohija while at the same time preserving the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Serbia-Montenegro.

He underlined that any breach of international law would create a dangerous precedent that could have serious consequences not only on the stability in the region, but throughout Europe as well. Kostunica said there must be no imposed solutions, and a long-term and stable solution for the province must be found and regional stability preserved.

Fini agreed that imposed solutions are unacceptable, and that Belgrade and Pristina authorities should reach a compromise through dialogue, barring haste and time limitations.

He also stressed that the issue of standards in Kosovo-Metohija must not be disregarded and that solving that issue should run parallel with political talks on the status of the province, adding that preserving multiethnicity and respect for all communities in Kosovo-Metohija is a must.

Kostunica and Fini pointed to the necessity of general decentralisation in Kosovo-Metohija.

Another issue discussed at the meeting was the referendum in Montenegro. Kostunica reiterated a mutual position of Belgrade and Brussels that preservation of the state union remains the best solution and that in full swing of European integration, disintegrating processes are by no means beneficial.

Kostunica said that the recommendations of the Venetian Commission concerning the criteria for referendums are clear and that, according to a generally accepted rule, when the status of a territory is in question, support of more that 50 percent of people on the electoral roll is necessary.

The participants in the meeting said that bilateral relations are highly beneficial in all areas, political, economic and cultural, and expressed readiness for their further improvement.