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The Government of the Republic of Serbia

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Serbia to use all diplomatic means to prevent Kosovo independence

Belgrade/Madrid, 30 November 2007

Serbian Minister of Foreign Affairs Vuk Jeremic today warned the international community, particularly the US and EU, that imposing the independence of Kosovo-Metohija will be a dangerous precedent in violation of international law.

In a statement for the Spanish newspaper El Pais, Jeremic voiced hope that the EU will respect its own system of deciding by consensus, and will bear in mind consequences of independence of the southern Serbian province for Europe.

The Serbian Foreign Minister, who is today wrapping up his two day official visit to Madrid, said that he is sure that Spain understands full well the problems connected with resolving the issue of the future status of Kosovo-Metohija. He stressed that he has confidence in Spanish leadership regarding this matter since they understand the dangers of ethnic secessionism which can jeopardise a country’s sovereignty.

Speaking about Serbia’s course of action in case a unilateral declaration of independence is made, Jeremic said that Serbia will do everything, apart from using military force, and utilise all political, economic and diplomatic means to prevent secession.

Explaining the reasons behind the failure of direct talks between Belgrade and Pristina, he said that it was not possible to reach a compromise because Kosovo Albanians did not wish to make the slightest change in their stand.

We offered autonomy which was given neither to the Basque Country, nor Catalonia in Spain. It is autonomy which even German provinces do not have, said the Minister. He added that apart from foreign policy and defence, all other areas would be in the jurisdiction of Kosovo Albanian authorities.

In the margins of the 15th OSCE Ministerial Council in Madrid, Jeremic talked with Bulgarian Foreign Minister Ivailo Kalfin on the status of Kosovo-Metohija as well as other issues of great importance not just for the West Balkans but all of Europe.

Kalfin said on the occasion that declaration of independence for Kosovo-Metohija immediately after December 10 would be a premature act and agreed with the Serbian Foreign Minister that continuation of dialogue is the only way to resolve the issue.

He added that Bulgaria defines its position on the matter as a basic wish to strengthen and maintain stability and security, and for the region to have a European future.