Serbia: Solution to Kosovo problem to be sought through dialogue and compromise

Government of Serbia, 27 May 2005

Belgrade, May 27, 2005 - Serbian Prime Minister Vojislav Kostunica met today with ambassadors of the member countries of the Contact Group, head of the European Commission office in Belgrade and the Dutch ambassador, and said that a general principle of international law must be obeyed, that being the preservation of sovereignty and territorial integrity of the state union of Serbia-Montenegro, as stipulated by UN Security Council Resolution 1244.

The Prime Minister said at today's meeting that the solution for the province must be sought through patient dialogue and compromise, in the form of enlarged autonomy, reiterating that international borders must be kept intact, as well as keeping respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Serbia-Montenegro.

Kostunica pointed to the importance of a realistic approach to the situation in Kosovo-Metohija, noting that full implementation of standards is a necessity, as well as respect of human rights, return of the expelled Serb population, renovation of their houses and Orthodox sacred places, and finding a solution to property issues. Kostunica reiterated the readiness of Serbian authorities for talks regarding all issues with representatives of the province's provisional institutions.

On behalf of the Contact Group, British Ambassador to Serbia-Montenegro David Gowan presented conclusions from the meeting that took place in London on May 23.

The meeting at the Serbian government building was also attended by representatives of the offices of the Serbia-Montenegrin President, Serbian President, Serbia-Montenegrin Minister of Foreign Affairs and Coordinating Centre for Kosovo-Metohija.