"Separatism in Europe, conflict in Balkans"

Russian Deputy FM Vladimir Titov says recognizing Kosovo further encourages separatism in Europe. "The unilateral declaration of Kosovo's independence violates the sovereignty of the Republic of Serbia, as well as the UN Charter, UN Resolution 1244, the Final Helsinki Act principles, Kosovo's constitutional framework and high level agreements within the Contact Group," the Russian diplomat told the Greek daily Kathimerini. "Separatism in Europe, conflict in Balkans" Titov said that the unilateral secession came in the absence of an agreement between the Serbs and the Kosovo Albanians, and that it has the character of an illegal precedent. In his word, the declaration has already, "in one form or another", caused a chain of events in many parts of Europe and the world. "We believe that separatism in Europe has received an additional boost. This can reflect on the western European nations too, on the post-Yugoslav area and the frozen conflicts in the Community of Independent States," he warned. According to Titov, the decisions made by the Kosovo Albanian leadership carry with them a danger of escalation of tensions and inter-ethnic violence in the Province, and a new conflict in the Balkans. "The international community must provide an answer to this challenge in a responsible manner," Titov told the newspaper, and explained that his country advocates introduction of decisive and effective measures in order to return to the process of seeking a political solution, in line with Resolution 1244. The deputy Russian foreign minister also said Kosovo's unilateral declaration and its recognition by some countries has "considerably changed the context of the situation in Abkhazia and South Ossetia", the breakaway Georgian regions. "We, too, must take into account the new reality," he was quoted. Titov added that Russia at the same time confirmed its desire to help both conflicts in Georgia resolve in a peaceful manner, and remains opposed to violent methods.

"Separatism in Europe, conflict in Balkans"

Titov said that the unilateral secession came in the absence of an agreement between the Serbs and the Kosovo Albanians, and that it has the character of an illegal precedent.

In his word, the declaration has already, "in one form or another", caused a chain of events in many parts of Europe and the world.

"We believe that separatism in Europe has received an additional boost. This can reflect on the western European nations too, on the post-Yugoslav area and the frozen conflicts in the Community of Independent States," he warned.

According to Titov, the decisions made by the Kosovo Albanian leadership carry with them a danger of escalation of tensions and inter-ethnic violence in the Province, and a new conflict in the Balkans.

"The international community must provide an answer to this challenge in a responsible manner," Titov told the newspaper, and explained that his country advocates introduction of decisive and effective measures in order to return to the process of seeking a political solution, in line with Resolution 1244.

The deputy Russian foreign minister also said Kosovo's unilateral declaration and its recognition by some countries has "considerably changed the context of the situation in Abkhazia and South Ossetia", the breakaway Georgian regions.

"We, too, must take into account the new reality," he was quoted.

Titov added that Russia at the same time confirmed its desire to help both conflicts in Georgia resolve in a peaceful manner, and remains opposed to violent methods.