Serbs, you can count on Russia

Serbs, you can count on Russia

He pointed out that the two countries will continue to coordinate their positions on this matter.

"People in Serbia know that they can always rely on Russia. Regardless of the serious challenges for our country in the context of the confrontation with NATO, which has been imposed on us. We continue to participate in the resolution of current international crises, including Kosovo", it is stated in the text published in the magazine International Affairs, as reported by the TASS agency. As Botsan-Kharchenko said, Russia will continue its close cooperation with Belgrade in the defense of Serbia's legal rights in connection with Kosovo and Metohija.

According to the diplomat, Moscow's key instrument in this matter is the fact that Russia is a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council.

"Of course, with the understanding that the initiative always comes from Belgrade," said Botsan-Kharchenko.

He said that Russia shares a position on this issue with its Chinese partners, because Beijing also insists on strict compliance with the norms of international law and keeping the topic of Kosovo and Metohija on the agenda of the UN Security Council.

The Russian diplomat recalled the words of President Vladimir Putin that Russia's position on the issue of Kosovo and Metohija has not changed.

"We call for a permanent mutually acceptable solution between Belgrade and Pristina based on international law and resolution 1244 of the United Nations Security Council," Botsan-Kharchenko said.

He added that such a solution should satisfy the interests of Belgrade and the Serbian people and be approved by the UN Security Council.

The Russian Ambassador pointed out that Russia understands Serbia's concerns and problems as its own, because it does not budge on its stance on sanctions and refuses to join Western restrictions on Russia.

"The West is using the unrest in Kosovo as a means of putting pressure on President Aleksandar Vucic in order to corner him and force him to join the anti-Russian sanctions," Botsan-Kharchenko said.

He added that Russia's cooperation with Serbia is aimed at strengthening that country's combat capability, ensuring its socio-economic stability and strengthening its sovereignty.