Non-Aligned countries urged to remain "consistent" on Kosovo

Non-Aligned countries urged to remain "consistent" on Kosovo

"We appeal to you to remain consistent in defending the norms of international legal order as regards non-recognition of the unilaterally declared independence of our southern province and its unilateral attempts of gaining membership in international organisations, such as last year's UNESCO membership bid, which was rejected thanks to our friends around the world, from Africa to Latin America," Dacic said.

Serbia is aware many NAM members are facing various pressures to recognize Kosovo's independence, Dacic said, thanking those that have remained consistent with the principles of international rule of law in not recognizing the unilaterally declared independence of Kosovo.

Dacic recalled that Kosovo's UDI was carried out contrary to the UN Charter, the Helsinki Final Act and UN Security Council resolution 1244 (1999), which guarantees the territorial integrity of Serbia.

The minister said that Serbia, by defending her sovereignty and territorial integrity, is defending in a principled manner international law and the highest authority of the Security Council in preserving international peace and security.

We are aware, said the Serbian foreign minister, that it is not easy for those who today stand with Serbia in her just struggle to preserve the territorial integrity and in defending the principles of the UN Charter - "just as Serbia for decades stood with many of you in your struggles for national liberation and emancipation from the colonial rule."

"I emphasize that the international community's support is crucial to the success of the dialogue conducted between Belgrade and Pristina with the mediation of the European Union. Any possible change of attitude of the countries that have not recognized the unilaterally proclaimed independence of Kosovo could have a negative impact on the sides' constructive approach and readiness to reach compromises, as well as on the implementation of the already reached agreements," the minister said.

Dacic added that the willingness and commitment of Serbia to resolve the issue of Kosovo and Metohija by peaceful means was "a reflection of our strength, not weakness."

The dialogue under the auspices of the EU, he said, primarily aims to provide conditions and facilitate the daily lives of people in the province, and especially to find answers to the problems faced by Serbs and other non-Albanians.

This, he said, in no way implies Serbia's recognition of the illegally proclaimed independence of Kosovo.

"We believe in permanent, compromise solution to the Kosovo issue, while respecting the legitimate interests of the Albanian, the Serb, and other populations in the province, and while fully respecting UN Security Council resolution 1244 (1999), in the interest of regional peace, stability and prosperity. We put our hope in you, our friends and comrades in the common struggle against the policy of unilateralism and the forced redrawing of borders of internationally recognized states," the Serbian minister said.

Dacic also noted in his address that the world today was "no longer the same as the one in which the Non-Aligned Movement was born."

"The NAM itself is no longer the same, but the topicality of the principle of sovereign equality of states and solidarity on which the NAM foundations were built has not been brought into question by the changes in the international arena brought on by the 21st century. In the promotion of these principles, you can always count on the unconditional support and partnership of Serbia," said Dacic.