Koštunica: Russia and China would block Kosovo independence

Koštunica: Russia and China would block Kosovo independence

"Russia's stand is very clear, and China's is not far away," Koštunica said. "Many realize that independence (of Kosovo) would be a bullying solution."

The province's majority ethnic Albanians insist on independence, while the Serbs want Belgrade to retain control of Kosovo. The two sides have been holding U.N.-mediated talks since February, but no clear resolution is in sight, despite aims to settle the province's status by the end of the year.

Serbia has staunchly rejected independence for Kosovo, offering instead that the province remain within the republic's borders, but with broad autonomy — an idea unacceptable to the province's ethnic Albanians.

Once the Contact Group reaches a conclusion on Kosovo's future status, its decision must be approved by the U.N. Security Council, where Russia and China have veto power. The Western states appear to be inclined to grant Kosovo independence.

Koštunica acknowledged in the Večernje Novosti interview that the U.N. envoy in the talks, Martti Ahtisaari, who is tasked with drafting a proposal for Kosovo's future status, likely was in favor of "some form of independence — conditional, postponed, limited."

"The question is how this solution would be implemented," Koštunica added. "I do not see any form of independence winning unanimous acceptance, and what is more important, being approved in the (U.N.) Security Council."

Koštunica warned that granting independence to Kosovo would cause "grave and serious consequences in the world." He and other Serbian officials have repeatedly warned it could trigger a chain reaction among other separatist regions, including Russia's Chechnya.

"Many now realize that Serbia would never accept being dismembered," he said. "Many in the world will not accept brutal violations, mocking and ridiculing of the international law."