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The Government of the Republic of Serbia

In the service of citizens

States supporting Kosovo secession will aggravate relations with Serbia

Belgrade/Sofia, 28 February 2008

Serbian Minister of Foreign Affairs Vuk Jeremic stated in Sofia today that it is a shame that instead of choosing regional solidarity, some countries recognised Kosovo and thus chose to support countries outside the region because for them force and justice are one and the same thing.

Author: Fonet

At the meeting of the South Eastern European Cooperation Process (SEECP), Jeremic said that this has resulted in a renewed debate on the legitimacy of internationally recognised borders, which a leading British analyst assessed as illegal Balkanisation, whose consequences can already be felt throughout the world, despite claims that Kosovo is a unique case.

According to Jeremic, in order to achieve the illegal independence of Kosovo-Metohija, the force behind this concept offered deals and exerted pressure on countries in the region, Europe and all over the world.

Some states succumbed, others might yet do so, and some will never do that, stressed the minister and once again asked why some decided to sacrifice the geo-strategic priorities of the region in the 21st century on the altar of maximalist ethnic aspirations from the 19th century.

Was it done out of a fear of violence if someone’s demands are not fulfilled? Have we become victims of ethnic blackmail? Is that the price we must pay for exercising our values? I cannot believe that this is the truth, stressed Jeremic.

I was told that some decided to give in to the secessionist demands by Kosovo Albanians because the talks failed. Was that the reason? Serbs and Albanians could not reach an agreement after several rounds of talks, so we should just impose a solution, asked Jeremic.

He said that this argument is not valid because certain very powerful men said in advance that Kosovo Albanians will get whatever they want if they do not give an inch during the talks.

Jeremic also warned that once 40 or so states recognise Kosovo, we will face the harsh reality – Kosovo will never become a member of either the UN or the OSCE.

As such, it will not belong to the international community of sovereign nations. It will never get the highest legitimacy status. Even here, today, Kosovo is a guest and not a participant. Let me tell you this loud and clear – as long as Serbia is here, Kosovo will never be a member, emphasised Jeremic.

He reiterated that Serbia will never budge from its position that the future status of Kosovo must come as a result of talks and compromise, and that the solution must be acceptable for both sides.

This may not be a diplomatic thing to say, but your countries are facing the consequences of an inappropriate choice imposed on my country – to choose between Kosovo and Europe. You are now in the situation to choose between Serbia and Kosovo. This is not what we wanted. We never wanted to be in such a situation, but here we are now, said Jeremic.

Serbia is not a powerful country and does not have at its disposal that which other countries do, but we have justice, international law and common sense on our side, said Jeremic and pointed to the fact that states that chose to endorse Kosovo’s secession will aggravate their relations with Serbia.

SEECP full members are Bulgaria, currently presiding, Albania, Croatia, Turkey, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Romania, Moldova, Montenegro and Serbia, while Kosovo is represented by UNMIK and has observer status.