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 the team.
'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.
Following Jeremic's speech in an open session, the council's 15
members held a closed-door discussion. Some diplomats came afterwards
said they welcomed Jeremic's speech to the council, but they said it
has not changed the position of those who have recognized Kosovo's
independence.
'Minister Jeremic's address was an interesting presentation, but
it had no substance,' said British Ambassador John Sawers. He said
Serbia has committed to look toward a future with the European Union
and that is a good position.
Sawers said also that Russia would like the council to adopt a
common position after listening to Jeremic, but he said such a demand
would not be possible because many Security Council members have
recognized Kosovo's independence.
US Ambassador Zalmay Khalilzad said Jeremic was positive in
restating a pro-European stance. But he said many countries have
exercised their sovereign right to recognize Kosovo's independence.
'We do believe that Serbia and Kosovo should hold talks and try to
understand each other,' Khalilzad said.
Jeremic and Serbian President Boris Tadic attended a council
meeting last month after Kosovo declared independence and their
rhetoric has 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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