RIA Novosti EU says Russia's position on Kosovo 'unconstructive'
26/06/2008 19:41 MOSCOW, June 26 (RIA Novosti) - The EU believes Russia's stance on Kosovo is not constructive enough, the head of the EU delegation to Moscow said on Thursday.
The EU has welcomed a report by UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon proposing that the UN cede its powers to the government of Kosovo and to a 2,200-strong EU mission to be deployed there.
Kosovo unilaterally declared its independence from Serbia on February 17. The U.S. and the majority of EU countries have since recognized it. Moscow has supported its ally Serbia in refusing to recognize the world's 'newest state'.
Ban has proposed "reconfiguring" the UN administration in the region, a move Russia has strongly opposed.
"We deplore the fact that Russia has not been very forthcoming or constructive. Russia has always said what should not be done but never said what should be done," Marc Franco said, adding that the situation in Kosovo "is untenable and cannot continue as it is."
He said a solution to the Kosovo problem would require "positive engagement on the Russian side."
"In meantime, we will work together with UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon. The Euslex mission will work together with UNMIK," he said.
The EU official said the Kosovo issue would likely come up at the ongoing Russia-EU summit in Khanty-Mansiisk, Western Siberia.
"Kosovo is indeed an issue on which we disagree and the EU has always said in the past that it would prefer a solution... that would have the approval of Belgrade and to which Russia would also contribute," he said.
He said that "by ensuring that Kosovo takes its place in the western Balkans, develops it own administrative and government structures" the EU can "contribute not just to the development of Kosovo but also to the wider stability of the region."
Acknowledgement: All available information and documents in "Justice For North Caucasus Group" is provided for the "fair use". There should be no intention for ill-usage of any sort of any published item for commercial purposes and in any way or form. JFNC is a nonprofit group and has no intentions for the distribution of information for commercial or advantageous gain. At the same time consideration is ascertained that all different visions, beliefs, presentations and opinions will be presented to visitors and readers of all message boards of this site. Providing, furnishing, posting and publishing the information of all sources is considered a right to freedom of opinion, speech, expression, and information while at the same time does not necessarily reflect, represent, constitute, or comprise the stand or the opinion of this group. If you have any concerns contact us directly at:
eagle@JusticeForNorthCaucasus.com
