Independence for Serbia's separatist region of Kosovo is unacceptable to Belgrade in any form, Serbia's foreign minister said today. According to Russian news agency RIA Novosti, Vuk Jeremic is in Russia on an official visit, his first visit outside of the Balkans following the formation of a new Cabinet in Belgrade May 15. He met with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov Wednesday. "The imposition of independence on Kosovo would constitute a serious violation of international law," Jeremic told a press conference at RIA Novosti. He said this applies both to Martti Ahtisaari's plan and a draft resolution now pending at the UN Security Council. "They are utterly unacceptable," he added. The minister also noted that Belgrade would like to reach a compromise on the status of Kosovo that would suit both sides. Lavrov said yesterday that Russia supports the Serb government's efforts "to resolve all the tasks facing them, and we are also united on the Kosovo issue," adding that Moscow would not back a unilateral solution on Kosovo. -- SPA
