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The Government of the Republic of Serbia

In the service of citizens

Decision to annul proclamation of Kosovo independence is historic

Belgrade, 14 February 2008

Serbian Prime Minister Vojislav Kostunica said that the Decision to annul illegal acts pertaining to the declaration of unilateral independence of Kosovo-Metohija, adopted by the government today is of historic importance.

Vojislav Kostunica at today's press conference

Kostunica said in a press conference held after the government session that this decision is the basis of the national programme in the southern province of Serbia for the coming period, noting that it will be activated the moment Kosovo-Metohija unilaterally proclaims independence.

He noted that the Decision was sent to the Serbian Mission at the UN, and once it is activated, it will be sent to UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon with an accompanying letter requiring the annulment of independence, an urgent session of the UN Security Council and measures to prevent the violation of the UN Charter, UN Security Council Resolution 1244 and Helsinki Final Act.

Apart from the fact that it bears witness to the Serbian government’s resolve to respect international law, this government decision is also an invitation to Serbs to remain and live in the province, Kostunica pointed out.

According to Kostunica, this decision also represents a guarantee that Belgrade will do everything to make conditions for Serbs in Kosovo-Metohija normal, for which additional funds from the budget will be allocated.

This decision annuls the act of a unilateral proclamation of independence and the Serbian government will do everything to widen and strengthen its presence in Kosovo as an integral part of Serbia and to make the life of Serbs and other citizens who are loyal to Serbia normal, the Serbian Prime Minister said and announced that he will meet with representatives of Serbs from Kosovo-Metohija on Saturday, February 16.

He stressed that by adopting this decision today, state and national unity in Serbia has been confirmed as well as Serbia’s full commitment to international law and the principles that the world is based on.

Commenting on the announced arrival of the EU mission to Kosovo, Kostunica stressed that such a mission violates international law, UN Security Council Resolution 1244 and UN Charter.

We have had comprehensive relations with the EU for years, but this is a conflict regarding a particular matter, and we are saying that by sending its mission the EU is violating international law, said the Prime Minister.

He did not specify what measures will be taken by Serbia in response to the possible recognition of a unilateral declaration of independence by the province by some countries, but said that the measures will be concrete.

If anyone believes that there will be no such measures and that Serbia will not react to this illegitimate and violent act they are grossly mistaken, warned the Prime Minister. He added that Serbia, within the limits of its power, but with full determination, will implement the principles of international order and its constitutional order on the territory of Kosovo-Metohija.

Kostunica said that we all know that not all countries will trample over the law and the UN Charter, and that there are also countries who intend to do this being led by the US. However, there will be certain countries which have a different policy.

We will take suitable measures against countries which recognise the declaration of independence. The measures will be taken depending on the cases and circumstances in which they are decided, said Kostunica.

He explained that Serbia will do that what any other country with dignity would do, at the proper time and in the right manner.

He said that Belgrade will provide protection to all those living in Kosovo-Metohija who are loyal to Serbia.

All citizens who are loyal and obey the existing order are equal in all respects. Law abiding citizens have the right not to recognise illegal acts, which means not validating injustice and this is completely logical, said Kostunica.

According to Kostunica, those who respect our order will be protected in every way and are all equal, while those who don’t will not be protected since they are violating the constitutional order.

The Serbian Prime Minister said that Serbia will continue to cooperate with KFOR, as it has cooperated in the past, but the question of the mission’s failure in preventing crimes committed by Albanians against Serbs since its arrival in the province remains open.