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Russia says Kosovo status must be acceptable to Serbia
Belgrade,
15 January 2007
Serbian Prime Minister Vojislav Kostunica stated today that in a telephone conversation, Russian President Vladimir Putin assured him that UN Special Envoy Martti Ahtisaari's proposed status for Kosovo-Metohija cannot be backed by the Security Council unless it is acceptable to Serbia.
Vojislav Kostunica
In a statement to the press Kostunica said that Putin told him that the solution to Kosovo-Metohija must be based on a clear and universal principle of the respect of territorial integrity and sovereignty of states and that any other action would lead to unnecessary conflicts.
According to Kostunica, Putin said that a compromise solution is the only real solution, adding that Belgrade must participate in upcoming talks.
At this crucial moment for Serbia, President Putin's and Russia's clear and principled support has been and is especially important to Serbia. This means that in the case of Kosovo-Metohija, the international law and the UN Charter's basic principle must be respected – territorial integrity and sovereignty of existing states, stressed Kostunica.
He added that he once again thanked Putin and Russian authorities on such a stand and pointed out that Serbia will know to appreciate Russia’s support in efforts to preserve Kosovo-Metohija.
The Prime Minister said that Putin’s word that Russia only recognises universal solutions has resulted in a shift in position in the world on the complex Kosovo-Metohija issue.
That was really the crucial word, said Kostunica and added that by doing this, Russia and Putin not only defend Serbia, but the modern world order, just as Serbia, by defending Kosovo-Metohija, is also defending fundamental principles of international order.
Kostunica discussed with Putin economic issues, particularly the Memorandum on understanding with Russian Gazprom and construction of the Russian gas pipeline through Serbia, which is concretisation of the talks with the Russian President last summer in St. Petersburg. The two officials also highlighted the importance of regulating the clearing debt.
Kostunica also said that he wished Putin, his family and the whole Russian people a Merry Christmas and a happy New Year.
According to Kostunica, Putin said that a compromise solution is the only real solution, adding that Belgrade must participate in upcoming talks.
At this crucial moment for Serbia, President Putin's and Russia's clear and principled support has been and is especially important to Serbia. This means that in the case of Kosovo-Metohija, the international law and the UN Charter's basic principle must be respected – territorial integrity and sovereignty of existing states, stressed Kostunica.
He added that he once again thanked Putin and Russian authorities on such a stand and pointed out that Serbia will know to appreciate Russia’s support in efforts to preserve Kosovo-Metohija.
The Prime Minister said that Putin’s word that Russia only recognises universal solutions has resulted in a shift in position in the world on the complex Kosovo-Metohija issue.
That was really the crucial word, said Kostunica and added that by doing this, Russia and Putin not only defend Serbia, but the modern world order, just as Serbia, by defending Kosovo-Metohija, is also defending fundamental principles of international order.
Kostunica discussed with Putin economic issues, particularly the Memorandum on understanding with Russian Gazprom and construction of the Russian gas pipeline through Serbia, which is concretisation of the talks with the Russian President last summer in St. Petersburg. The two officials also highlighted the importance of regulating the clearing debt.
Kostunica also said that he wished Putin, his family and the whole Russian people a Merry Christmas and a happy New Year.
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