Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov says Russia will not be part of any effort to force Serbia to recognize independence for Kosovo.
Speaking at a Berlin news conference with German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier, Lavrov warned that "only two sides" can make a decision on Kosovo and "no one can impose" a solution.
"A decision on Kosovo can be made only by the parties themselves," Lavrov said. "No one can impose a solution. In any event, Russia will not be part of such a scheme."
UN Kosovo envoy Martti Ahtisaari has proposed limited statehood for the province but not full independence.
"Of course, I respect Martti Ahtisaari," Lavrov said. "We have known each other very well for a long time. But it is not up to him to decide whether or not the time for making a decision has run out. Mr. Ahtisaari is carrying out a mandate given to him by the UN secretary-general and the Security Council to provide mediation between the parties in the Kosovo settlement process."
Moscow has consistently opposed a final-status solution for Kosovo that is not acceptable to both Belgrade and Pristina.
Copyright (c) 2006. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. www.rferl.org
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Comments
#1 To Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov
You are judging on a hot issue, and you are pretty cold but not fair. How comes that you cannot impose any decission to the Serbian Government, then quit your place in UN if you cannot make a decission. What do you expect again in Kosova, because this is the real ethnic name of you call Kosovo? Do you expect other massacres on Kosovars, other Kosovar victims from this war? Don't you think that these wonderful people, the Kosovars deserve the independence? It is a high cost independence for the Kosovars. Once in the Russian History be fair with a country and don't fear your national history and thus becoming egoistic. Be fair with a nation that has paid so much for their independence. Long Life to Kosova and May the Liberation Day be yours As Soon As Possible!!!
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