Russia does not recognize Kosovo independence - Churkin

UNITED NATIONS, May 13 (Itar-Tass) -- Russia supports territorial
integrity and sovereignty of Serbia and does not recognize
unilaterally-proclaimed independence of Kosovo, Russian Ambassador to the
United Nations Vitaly Churkin told the Security Council on Thursday adding
Kosovo problem can be resolved only through negotiations.
"We proceed from the fact that the 1244 UN Security Council Resolution
remains in full force and is obligatory for the whole international legal
base of Kosovo settlement, as well as for ensuring security in the
province," he said and stressed the Security Council "should continue to
play the leading role in the resolution of the Kosovo problem."
The ambassador welcomed resumed dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina
and said representatives of the UN Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) should be
officially present at the talks.
"This is due to the requirement to keep the Security Council
adequately informed about the progress and contents of the negotiations
and to the very agenda of the talks" as it is directly related to UNMIK
activities, Churkin said.
"We believe the European Union which mediates the talks shall provide
a proper place for the United Nations at them specifically now when the EU
received a possibility for more active work in the framework of the global
organization," he said.
The UNMIK "shall continue to render maximum assistance to the
settlement of Kosovo problem and fulfill its commitments to ensure Kosovo
representation in regional and international organizations and mechanisms."
The ambassador warned against potential explosive situation in the
north of Kosovo.
"Attempts to 'Albanize' local units of Kosovo police, to spread to the
north the activities of Kosovo customs, and to resettle there Albanian
population in an uncontrolled way and without agreement with all
interested parties will definitely escalate tensions," he said.