13 July 2007

Lavrov reaffirms need for compromise on Kosovo

INTERFAX (RUSSIAN FEDERATION), Feb 21 2007 4:00PM

MOSCOW. Feb 21 (Interfax) - Russia once again reiterates the need for the authorities in Belgrade and Pristina to strike a compromise on the Kosovo problem, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov told a news conference in Moscow on Wednesday.

"I can confirm our position that a solution to the Kosovo issue must be found through negotiations and that both sides must agree with it," he said.

Asked whether Russia is prepared to use its veto if the Kosovo plan unveiled by UN Special Envoy Martti Ahtisaari is placed on the UN Security Council's agenda without Belgrade's consent, Lavrov said that no draft resolutions on Kosovo have been submitted.