Russian ambassador: Ahtisaari blocks talks

BELGRADE The Russian Ambassador to Serbia has reiterated Russia’s stance on Kosovo and called for continued talks. Alexandar Alexeyev reiterated that Moscow would ask the UN to appoint a new Kosovo mediator, given that the plan drafted by the UN special envoy Martti Ahtisaari has "kept Belgrade and Pristina from seeking out the best solution via direct talks." Russian ambassador: Ahtisaari blocks talks Speaking in a forum organized at the Belgrade Faculty of Law, Alexeyev said that the issue of Kosovo must be settled either by applying international law or the principle of political expediency. The Russian Ambassador added that Russia would insist on international law, even if it meant demanding Ahtisaari’s resignation. “The best solution under the circumstances is to continue negotiations so as to enable Belgrade and Pristina to agree on the issues of crucial importance to them." "Only Belgrade and Pristina are entitled to negotiate directly and reach a solution. If that were to not be allowed, we would be presenting a problem rather than a solution before the UN Security Council,” Alekseyev said.

Russian ambassador: Ahtisaari blocks talks

Speaking in a forum organized at the Belgrade Faculty of Law, Alexeyev said that the issue of Kosovo must be settled either by applying international law or the principle of political expediency.

The Russian Ambassador added that Russia would insist on international law, even if it meant demanding Ahtisaari’s resignation.

“The best solution under the circumstances is to continue negotiations so as to enable Belgrade and Priština to agree on the issues of crucial importance to them."

"Only Belgrade and Priština are entitled to negotiate directly and reach a solution. If that were to not be allowed, we would be presenting a problem rather than a solution before the UN Security Council,” Alekseyev said.