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The Government of the Republic of Serbia

In the service of citizens

Dialogue possible only with UN, EU missions in Kosovo

Belgrade, 23 February 2009

Serbian Minister for Kosovo-Metohija Goran Bogdanovic said today that the stance taken by Kosovo’s interim institutions is unacceptable and no one can prevent Serbs from visiting and staying in the southern province, or from getting aid to those who need it.

In a statement to Beta news agency Bogdanovic commented on the decision by Kosovo authorities to refuse him entry into the province by saying that such decisions can only deepen the differences between the Serbs and Albanians.

Kosovo is a part of Serbia under UN administration, said the Minister, adding that according to Security Council Resolution 1244 UNMIK and EULEX are the only legitimate bodies in Kosovo with which dialogue can be held.

He said that the Ministry for Kosovo does not have contacts with the Kosovo institutions because in the Serbian government’s opinion they are illegitimate.

He said that accordingly Kosovo authorities were never asked for any kind of permission for visit or stay by Serbian officials, contacts were made only with the international missions of the EU or UN, with whom the Serbian government communicates to ensure security for Serbian officials travelling in the province.

He said that the organization of security escort services is a procedure which has functioned in the same way for years, stressing that Serbia has no intention of changing this procedure and will not be responsible for any consequences that might result from changing the procedure.

Bogdanovic said that all this would be unnecessary if high security standards were indeed in place in Kosovo, as claimed by many in their reports.

Serbia wants a peaceful solution through agreement, not the isolation that such a stance would bring about and it is for this reason that Belgrade insists that further negotiations be held on the implementation of the six-item plan, including the issue of the police.