New York - Serbia on Tuesday accused the more than 20
countries that have so far recognized Kosovo's independence of
undermining international law, warning that their decisions would
legitimize illegal secession by other ethnic minorities.
Serbian Foreign Minister Vuk Jeremic traveled to New York to
attend a special session of the UN Security Council requested by his
government in a renewed effort to reassert its authority over Kosovo
and prevent further recognition.
Jeremic also criticized the European Union for sending an
assistance team to Pristina, calling the move illegal. But the EU
said the council's previous resolutions dealing with Kosovo had
authorized it.
'These 20-something countries that furthered the secessionist
cause of Kosovo Albanians have contributed to making the
international system more unstable, more insecure and more
unpredictable,' Jeremic told the council.
The countries that recognized Kosovo's independence include the
United States, Britain, France, Germany and Switzerland.
Russia, an ally of Serbia, is strongly opposed to Kosovo's
independence, which it declared on February 18.
The UN cannot approve or disapprove of a nation declaring
independence and recognition of that act is left to individual
countries.
Jeremic and Serbian President Boris Tadic attended a council
meeting last month after Kosovo declared independence and their
rhetorics have not changed. They vowed never to let go of claims over
Kosovo as a Serbian province, while pledging cooperation with the
European Union to one day become a member.
'The Republic of Serbia will not accept the imposition of an
outcome that fundamentally violates our legitimate national
interests,' Jeremic said, adding that his country will use all legal
means to fight to keep Kosovo.
He urged countries that have not recognized Kosovo's independence
to stay the course and defend international law while urging those
that have done so to reconsider.
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