Putin: Russian position on Kosovo is gaining strength in Europe
Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Friday that Russia will categorically oppose a unilateral declaration of Kosovo’s independence and that Moscow’s position is gaining strength in Europe.
(KosovoCompromise Staff) Friday, January 25, 2008
"Kosovo's independence is bringing serious damage to the entire system of international law, bringing negative consequences for the Balkans, for the world and for the stability of other regions", Putin said after meeting Serbian president Boris Tadic and Serbian Prime Minister Vojislav Kostunica in Moscow.
He noted that Russia's position was gaining strength among European politicians which are showing political courage and independence, and referred to this week's resolution of the Council of Europe Parliamentary Assembly calling for a Kosovo compromise and a pursuit of talks.
Tadic said Serbia would not give up the protection of its legitimate interests in Kosovo, while Kostunica underlined Belgrade and Moscow had led a common policy of the defense of territorial integrity of Serbia, which is at the same time protecting international law and stability.
