Rogozin: Kosovo is bandit creation

Independent Kosovo is a bandit creation that will not survive, says Russia Ambassador to NATO Dmitry Rogozin. The Russian diplomat was in Serbia this Thursday, attending a gathering dedicated to the 65th anniversary of victory over fascism. Rogozin: Kosovo is bandit creation Speaking at the Russian House in Belgrade, he described as “nonsense” explanations that recognizing Kosovo meant recognizing a nation's right to self-determination. Kosovo's ethnic Albanians in February 2008 unilaterally proclaimed independence – something that Belgrade rejected, supported by Moscow. Rogozin was quoted as saying today that international law and the UN system recognize a right to self-determination, but that territorial integrity takes precedence. He also stressed that those counties that moved to recognize Kosovo did so “not out of concern for Kosovo's Albanians, but to weaken a strong Serbia in the Balkans”. “We know that each sin has its name and surname, and such bandit creations cannot survive,” the Russian diplomat said, adding that Serbia will defend its right to sovereignty and territorial integrity. Rogozin added that some countries, mostly NATO members, lately took to disputing the right of the UN to decide on issues related to international law. Russia's envoy to NATO also hailed Serbia as the country of a heroic nation that has fought for its freedom and right to exist “during its entire existence”. Dmitry Rogozin (Beta/AP, file)

Rogozin: Kosovo is bandit creation

Speaking at the Russian House in Belgrade, he described as “nonsense” explanations that recognizing Kosovo meant recognizing a nation's right to self-determination.

Kosovo's ethnic Albanians in February 2008 unilaterally proclaimed independence – something that Belgrade rejected, supported by Moscow.

Rogozin was quoted as saying today that international law and the UN system recognize a right to self-determination, but that territorial integrity takes precedence.

He also stressed that those counties that moved to recognize Kosovo did so “not out of concern for Kosovo's Albanians, but to weaken a strong Serbia in the Balkans”.

“We know that each sin has its name and surname, and such bandit creations cannot survive,” the Russian diplomat said, adding that Serbia will defend its right to sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Rogozin added that some countries, mostly NATO members, lately took to disputing the right of the UN to decide on issues related to international law.

Russia's envoy to NATO also hailed Serbia as the country of a heroic nation that has fought for its freedom and right to exist “during its entire existence”.