Koštunica evades answer on cutting off ties over Kosovo

Koštunica evades answer on cutting off ties over Kosovo

He once again rejecting a UN resolution that would lead to supervised independence for the province.

Koštunica said any further talks between the Serbian government and representatives of the Albanian majority in the province would not need a new resolution to take place.

He said independence for Kosovo would be dangerous not only for Serbia but also for the region.

Koštunica did not directly answer a question on whether Serbia would break diplomatic relations with countries that recognized an independent Kosovo.

“I want to express optimism that Kosovo will not become independent,” he said.

Koštunica is also set to meet with German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier.

It was announced earlier that the topics of the meetings in Berlin will include Serbia’s EU integration and the resolution of Kosovo’s future status.

Koštunica traveled to Germany a day after his visit to Portugal, the country that presides over the EU.

According to the government sources, Koštunica told his hosts in Berlin that Belgrade expects EU’s backing regarding the inviolability of Serbia’s borders.

The prime minister also sought support for Serbia’s position that advocates swift resumption of negotiations over Kosovo’s future status based on UN resolution 1244, and the resolving of the issue without any altering of borders in the Balkans.