20 April 2007

PACE drops independence recommendation from Kosovo resolution

INTERFAX (RUSSIAN FEDERATION), 25 January 2007, 10:02

Strasbourg, January 25, Interfax - The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) has decided to refrain from any specific recommendations on the status of Kosovo.

During the debate on the draft resolution on the current situation in Kosovo a key provision earlier resisted by many, primarily the Russian delegation, was dropped by 90 votes against 64, with 11 abstentions.

The provision read as follows: "While respecting Serbia's interest and right to preserve its territorial integrity, the Assembly believes that Kosovo's independence - subject to certain conditions - is the solution most likely to bring about durable, long-term peace and stability for Kosovo and the entire region, in addition to being the one which corresponds to the will of the majority of Kosovars."