Moscow called on Belgrade and Pristina to continue talks

PanARMENIAN.Net - Moscow has called on Belgrade and Pristina to continue negotiations on the status of Kosovo, and hopes that a compromise is still possible, Russia's UN envoy Vitaly Churkin said on Friday.



The Contact Group's troika of mediators - Russia, the United States and the European Union - submitted to the UN Security Council and UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon a report on December 10 saying that the parties had failed to reach an agreement after "120 days of intensive negotiations."



"We believe that the efforts by the troika have shown that a negotiated solution is possible, that the two sides can reach a compromise and deliver a solution to strengthen stability in the Balkans. Serbia would benefit the future of Kosovo, the European Union, and reinforce rather than weaken international law," Vitaly Churkin said.



He said the UN Security Council should give a signal to the parties concerned that the international community is expecting them to continue their discussions.



The Serb delegation has been able to refine some elements of its position, which could also be acceptable to Pristina, he said, adding that Belgrade is prepared to grant Pristina full freedom in the economic realm, in particular the freedom to establish contacts with international financial institutions, as well as allow it to have its their own flag, gendarmerie and police, RIA Novosti reports.



December 19, the UN Security Council will sit to discuss the Kosovo issue.