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The Government of the Republic of Serbia

In the service of citizens

New negotiations necessary on Kosovo status for lasting solution

Belgrade, 27 March 2007

Coordinator of the state team for negotiations on the future status of Kosovo-Metohija Slobodan Samardzic expressed belief that Russia will act in the UN Security Council according to its principles and that it will manage to assure advocates of Kosovo’s independence that it is necessary to start new negotiations that will result in a lasting solution and peaceful life in the Balkans.

Samardzic told news agency Beta that yesterday’s report of Martti Ahtisaari to the UN General Secretary represents the last step in an unsuccessful chapter of trying to solve the Kosovo problem and explained that the unsuccessful chapter was due to the fact that this report cannot result in any decision of the UN Security Council, let alone a resolution that would replace UN Security Council Resolution 1244.

He announced that a new session of the UN Security Council can be expected in the first half of April, which will be used by the Serbian side to expose its stands and explain that a one-sided solution must be rejected.

Samardzic added that Serbian Prime Minister Vojislav Kostunica will speak in this session representing the state and he will once again reiterate the firm stand that Kosovo should become within Serbia as a substantial autonomy with international guarantees.

According to Samardzic, the submission of Ahtisaari’s proposal will mark the end of his participation in negotiations, when a new phase in solving the problem should begin, during which a more serious approach is to be expected.

Samardzic expressed expectation that very intensive consultations of international participants in the UN Security Council, Contact Group and the EU will take place.

Samardzic pointed out that Ahtisaari’s proposal to grant Kosovo independence and secede it illegally from Serbia, will thus open a new page of conflicts, not just in the Balkans but in Europe as well.

We are certain that a greater part of the world will opt for a peaceful, stable and durable solution to the Kosovo problem, he said and noted that only continuation of the process and negotiations can result in reaching a right goal.

Samardzic also recalled that several countries insisted on Kosovo’s independence and added that this was not approved by many UN Security Council member states.