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Russia, EU still in disagreement over Kosovo

14 February 2008 11:12 (UTC +04:00)

The Albanian-dominated region is expected to declare its independence on Sunday or Monday, and the majority of EU countries have said they will recognize Kosovoâ€™s sovereignty.
"Differences on the Kosovo problem have not been settled, and they concern the fundamentals of international law," Sergei Lavrov said after talks in Slovenia, which holds the EU presidency.
Russia, a long-time ally of Serbia, backs the Balkan nationâ€™s position on the issue of Kosovan independence. Belgrade refuses to grant Kosovo sovereignty, but offers it broad autonomy.
Russiaâ€™s top diplomat gave assurances that the country will not take measures against the EU if it recognizes the independence of Kosovo.
"On the issue on whether Russia will impose any repressive actions in relation to the EU, this sounds, of course, a bit absurd. Russia does not resort to such punitive measures from its foreign policy arsenal," Lavrov said, adding the recognition would be a mistake.
He said it would be wrong not to turn to the UN Security Council in this situation. However, the minister said he does not feel "excessive optimism" regarding the Security Councilâ€™s session set for Thursday.
Asked how Russia will respond to Kosovoâ€™s expected unilateral declaration of independence, Lavrov said: "The issue is too serious to just concern ourselves with who will say or do what. Everything possible should now be done to prevent a negative scenario."
Lavrov said Belgrade-Pristina talks, interrupted in late 2007, could still be resumed.
Kosovo has been a UN protectorate since the NATO bombing of the former Yugoslavia ended a conflict between Albanian separatists and Serb forces in 1999.
Speaking in Moscow later in the day, Lavrov said that unlawful decisions on Kosovoâ€™s drive for independence will necessitate amendments to international law.
If Kosovo declares its independence and receives international recognition, this will be a clear breach of the system of international law, implying that "international law will have to be amended" to take into account the new situation, he said. /APA/