"Serbia-Russia relations impervious to crisis" 23 January 2009 | 12:31 | Source: Tanjug,
Večernje novosti BELGRADE -- Russian Ambassador to Serbia Alexander Konuzin says no crisis can affect the development of political and economic relations between the two countries. “Russia has proven on a number of occasions its commitment to enhancing the two countries' overall cooperation on economic, political and all other issues,” Konuzin said in an interview for the Belgrade daily Večernje Novosti. He underlined that Serbia was an important partner in the Balkans, a country that had shared a common history with Russia and whose people had always been regarded as brothers. “We greatly appreciate the mutual understanding and friendly, trusting relations that have been built up between the two countries’ leaderships. I believe we now have every opportunity to successfully continue to develop dialogue in all areas,” said Konuzin. The ambassador said that Russia was following the situation in Kosovo closely, particularly as regards reconfiguration of the international presence and implementing the six-point agreement. “We’re very concerned by the absence of visible progress in guaranteeing minority rights, the lack of security, the tension that continues to exist between the Albanian and Serb communities, as evidenced by the numerous incidents since the start of the year,” said Konuzin. He stressed that the formation of the Kosovo Security Forces (KSB) did not help the situation in any way and “runs counter to Security Council documents.” “As a permanent member of the Security Council, Russia is addressing this issue within the UN. We’re working closely with the Serbian side in New York and Belgrade on all pressing issues, and are constantly exchanging information and synchronizing our positions,” said the ambassador. He also confirmed that Russia would be presenting a statement to the International Court of Justice once proceedings opened in Serbia’s legal suit, seeking the court’s advisory opinion on Kosovo’s independence declaration. “We have already begun preparations to that effect by engaging a group of Russian experts on international law, headed by President of the Russian Association of International Law A.J. Kapustin,” Konuzin added. “Our position remains the same—the declaration of Kosovo independence is in contravention of international law, and this is the view we intend to present to the International Court of Justice,” the Russian ambassador said. http://www.b92.net/eng/news/politics-article.php?yyyy=2009&mm=01&dd=23&nav_id=56619 Serbian News Network - SNN [email protected] http://www.antic.org/
