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The Government of the Republic of Serbia

In the service of citizens

Lasting solution to Kosovo issue possible if international law principles are respected

Belgrade, 18 September 2006

Head of the Economic Team for Kosovo-Metohija and Southern Serbia Nenad Popovic said today in Zagreb that Serbia's basic stance implies that a lasting solution to Kosovo issue can only be found if international law principles are respected, as well as Serbia's sovereignty and territorial integrity. It also implies that the province will get the greatest possible level of autonomy, thus enabling ethnic Albanians to exercise their national, economic and cultural rights.

According to a statement by the Economic Team, Popovic is on a single-day visit to Zagreb at the invitation of the Serbian embassy and the Serbian National Council in Croatia. He delivered a speech at the Serbian Culture Society's premises themed "Kosovo-Metohija: Serbia's Position".

Popovic, who is also vice-president of the Coordinating Centre for Kosovo-Metohija, stressed that it is necessary to find a tenable solution to the future status of Kosovo.

"With two unacceptable solutions – Kosovo's 1989–1999 status and independence – it is important to find a compromise solution that would result from a dialogue between legitimate representatives of Serbia and Kosovo interim self-government institutions", said Popovic.

He stressed that the result of this compromise must be in line with international law and fundamental principles upon which the international order is based. The presence of international mediators in the talks on Kosovo must guarantee such a solution.

According to Popovic, the talks are not efficient enough and direct negotiations between Serbia and ethnic Albanians should begin as soon as possible, especially through working groups which should meet on a weekly basis and solve concrete issues related to the everyday lives of Kosovo inhabitants.

Popovic also said that all political structures in Serbia are unanimous regarding the issue of Kosovo-Metohija, which can be seen from the preamble to the draft of Serbia's new constitution where the province is categorically defined as an inseparable part of Serbia.