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17 Dec, 2007 10:43

Chaos could reign in Kosovo: Russia

The situation in Kosovo may become critical and descend into chaos if a solution on the Serbian province's status doesn't comply with principles of international law, according to Russia's Foreign Ministry.

Russia opposes independence for Kosovo, while it is supported by many European countries and the U.S.

“The situation with Kosovo may turn into an uncontrolled crisis if we fail to keep it within international law. Instead we see feverish attempts to find a legal basis to justify unilateral decisions,” said Boris Malakhov, Russia's Foreign Ministry representative.

“The UN Security Council resolution 1244 seems to have been turned upside down. There are back-door maneuvers around the UN leadership to win them over to legitimise future illegal steps. We are sure no one will fall for that because it is the reputation of the UN that is at stake,” he said.

More than a week ago, international mediators presented a report to the UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon stating the Kosovo talks had been a failure.

However, Russian Ambassador to the UN, Vitaly Churkin said the 120-day long negotiations weren't a failure and could bring results, as some creative suggestions have been made from the Serbian side. He called for more talks.

But the UN-set deadline for negotiations on Kosovo has expired.

The statement published by the Russian Foreign Ministry says the deadlock situation is due to a refusal by the U.S. and some European countries to consider useful suggestions made by the sides during negotiations.

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