Lavrov, Kouchner in Kosovo clash

Russian and French foreign ministers Sergei Lavrov and Bernard Kouchner engaged in a verbal showdown over Kosovo. They met in Paris Tuesday as part of the Russo-French security sector cooperation meeting, when they publicly clashed over the issue of Kosovo, Russian media report. Lavrov, Kouchner in Kosovo clash Kouchner, keen to illustrate his point that existing differences between Russia and the EU do not mean that joint solutions cannot be found, told reporters: "The fact that the EU, the United Nations and other international structures have decided to choose this solution for the Kosovo problem, which does not fit with the point of view of our partners [Russia], does not mean that we must end this dialogue." "Excuse me, but I am unaware that the UN has made any decision that does not fit with the point of view of your Russian partners," Lavrov said. Kouchner produced a "wide smile" and said he was "not surprised that Lavrov said that". "Why would it surprise you, it's the truth," Lavrov retorted. Kouchner reacted to this by saying that "it is true", but that he "heard about Russia's unsuccessful attempts at the UN". "In order for the French media to have a clear idea about what was going on at the Security Council , I will add that Russia undertook no attempts. Resolution 1244 is in force at the UN, which, unfortunately, some EU members are violating," Lavrov stressed. The Russian media say Lavrov wished to let Kouchner know it was time to stop the verbal duel, when he said that he "appreciated the manner in which the principal differences with France were considered". "The French chief of diplomacy sighed with relief and hurried to let journalists ask their questions," reports from Paris said. Time to end the spar: Lavrov and Kouchner in news conference yesterday (FoNet)

Lavrov, Kouchner in Kosovo clash

Kouchner, keen to illustrate his point that existing differences between Russia and the EU do not mean that joint solutions cannot be found, told reporters:

"The fact that the EU, the United Nations and other international structures have decided to choose this solution for the Kosovo problem, which does not fit with the point of view of our partners [Russia], does not mean that we must end this dialogue."

"Excuse me, but I am unaware that the UN has made any decision that does not fit with the point of view of your Russian partners," Lavrov said.

Kouchner produced a "wide smile" and said he was "not surprised that Lavrov said that".

"Why would it surprise you, it's the truth," Lavrov retorted.

Kouchner reacted to this by saying that "it is true", but that he "heard about Russia's unsuccessful attempts at the UN".

"In order for the French media to have a clear idea about what was going on at the Security Council , I will add that Russia undertook no attempts. Resolution 1244 is in force at the UN, which, unfortunately, some EU members are violating," Lavrov stressed.

The Russian media say Lavrov wished to let Kouchner know it was time to stop the verbal duel, when he said that he "appreciated the manner in which the principal differences with France were considered".

"The French chief of diplomacy sighed with relief and hurried to let journalists ask their questions," reports from Paris said.