Keepin touch

Whether you have a question, comment, suggestion or any problem in the purview of the government, send us your message and we will try to respond as soon as possible. If your problem is not in our purview, we will forward your message to the relevant institution.

The Government of the Republic of Serbia

In the service of citizens

Kosovo independence unacceptable to Serbia

Belgrade, 7 February 2007

President of the Coordinating Centre for Kosovo-Metohija Sanda Raskovic-Ivic stated last night that Kosovo independence is unacceptable to the Serbian side as the solution of the province's status, adding that there are realistic reasons for postponing the talks until after new Serbian parliament is formed.

Raskovic-Ivic told RTS television last night that the government lost its legitimacy after the elections of January 21 and the Serbian President was the only legitimate representative who could meet with UN Special Envoy for Kosovo-Metohija Martti Ahtisaari when he presented his plan for the province's future status to Serbia.

She said she expects that Ahtisaari shows understanding for the Serbian side's demand for putting off the talks, bearing in mind the recently held parliamentary elections, which must be repeated at several polling stations. After that, new parliament is yet to be set up, she added.

Raskovic-Ivic recalled that the talks were postponed when Kosovo-Metohija President Ibrahim Rugova died, even though Kosovo Parliament Speaker could have taken his place for the talks.

It is unlikely that Serbian parliament will be established by February 13, said Raskovic-Ivic and added that the new parliament is to appoint a new negotiating team or give legitimacy to the current one. It is also necessary to bring innovations into the platform thus including in it responses to Ahtisaari's proposal.

President of the Coordinating Centre said she hopes Russia will use its right to veto the possible solution to Kosovo status, adding that China may do so as well since these two countries are advocating the respect of international rights and Serbia's sovereignty and territorial integrity.

She said that the division of Kosovo-Metohija is unrealistic at the moment since that would mean that Serbia is giving up on its stances. She also stressed that the negotiating team was given mandate to protect Serbia's sovereignty and territorial integrity on its entire territory.