Churkin: A return to a negotiated solution on Kosovo status still possible
Russia’s ambassador to the UN Vitaly Churkin said he believed chances still exist to find a common position on the Kosovo status in the UN.
(KosovoCompromise Staff) Wednesday, April 02, 2008
Churkin said the solution "still exists today", although he added that "the illegal declaration of independence of Kosovo and its recognition by a series of countries have brought additional obstacles on the road to compromise".
"Unfortunately, illegal unilateral moves have brought a predictable increase of tension in Kosovo and around it", Churkin said.
Russia's ambassador said the main objective of Russia in regards to Kosovo is to see the UN Security Council continue to control the situation in Kosovo and to take care that the UN SC resolution 1244 and the mandate of Unmik are realized in full scale.
He added that no member of the UN Security Council, including those which have recognized the "sovereignty" of the province, does not object to this position.
"We are convinced that a strict respect of Resolution 1244 by the UN secretariat and the international forces will bring forward the necessary basis for the return to the legal field, for the return to a Kosovo status solution which will be mutually acceptable for both sides", the Russian ambassador said.
Russia expects the Kosovo problem to be resolved within the framework of international law and on the basis of an agreement by Pristina and Belgrade, he added.
"We are ready to continue searching for a Kosovo compromise".
