Solution to Kosovo problem should suit all - Ivanov

ITAR-TASS (RUSSIAN FEDERATION), 09.02.2007, 16.38

SEVILLE (Spain), February 9 (Itar-Tass) - Russian Deputy Prime Minister, Defence Minister Sergei Ivanov has called for solving the problem of the Kosovo province on the principle of territorial integrity.

"If we take a conjuncture path in regard of Kosovo, we can open Pandora's box. The talk is about our attitude to the principle of territorial integrity. If we proceed from the current conjuncture, then we shall not be able to say that other territories cannot use such principles," he said.

This is true for the post-Soviet space and several territories in Europe, Ivanov said.

He warned that a solution to the Kosovo issue should suit all sides, otherwise this region can prove a "headache" for Europe.

"The policy of sovereignisation of Kosovo in the absence of a solution suiting all sides, including Serbia, is extremely dangerous not only for this region, but also for whole Europe, including the Dniester region, as well as Abkhazia and South Ossetia," he said.