www.srna.co.yu
Serbian Press Agency SRNA, Bijeljina
17-03-2008 15:41:56
NATO MUST NOT USE FORCE IN KOSOVO AND METOHIJA
BELGRADE, March 17 (SRNA) - The current president of the Security Council,
Russian ambassador to the UN Vitaly Churkin stated that NATO forces in
Kosovo and Metohija must not use force against persons opposing the
independence of the south Serbian province.
"The Security Council's requirements toward NATO are simple: they cannot use
any form of force toward those who do not wish to subjugate themselves to
the illegal, unilateral declaration of independence," said Churkin in an
interview for today's "Novya Izvestya".
He pointed out that all employees of international organizations in the
region are responsible for strictly adhering to Resolution 1244, which
clearly states that their mandate is to concern themselves with safety in
Kosovo, refugee returns, creation of normal living conditions for the people
but certainly not coercion to violate Resolution 1244.
"If NATO forces violate this resolution, we will certainly bring the matter
before the Security Council," emphasized the Russian ambassador to the UN.
Churkin said that a large number of member countries of the UN and members
of the Security Council share Russia's concern due to the violation of
international law by the unilateral proclamation of Kosovo's independence
and recognition of that independence by certain countries.
He added that the UN secretary-general during the course of discussions on
Kosovo repeated that Resolution 1244, which talks about the territorial
integrity of Serbia, remains in effect.
According to him, the UN presence in Kosovo will continue within the
framework of that resolution and there is no political, legal or moral
justification for the unilateral proclamation of independence.
"This statement by the secretary-general was not opposed by any member of
the Security Council," he added, emphasizing that Russia would do everything
possible to ensure that "the illegally established EU missions in Kosovo
will not interfere with the work of UN representatives".
Churkin pointed out that some EU documents cite a transition period of 120
days from the declaration of independence after which the EU mission will
replace UNMIK.
"It is completely unclear where they got that from. If they should try to
realize this scheme in some way, then it will in reality contrary to
Resolution 1244 and international law," said the Russian ambassador to the
world organization.
Churkin rejected the possibility of UN membership for Kosovo and assessed
that a legal resolution of the disagreement between Belgrade and Pristina
was still possible.
He added that Article 4 of the UN Charter states that a decision on
admission of new members is made by the General Assembly upon recommendation
by the Security Council.
"And since at least two members of the Security Council, Russia and China,
oppose unilateral independence, Kosovo simply has no chance of getting a
positive recommendation," said Churkin.
Serbian News Network - SNN
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