Russia Warns Kosovo on Independence
Associated Press - January 17, 2008

By EDITH M. LEDERER, Associated Press Writer

UNITED NATIONS - Russia warned Kosovo's leaders Wednesday that if they declare independence the territory will never become a member of the United Nations or other international political institutions.

Russian Ambassador Vitaly Churkin said that the future of Kosovo is a Security Council issue not an EU issue and said council members should prepare a roadmap that would "create dynamics that in our view would lead to a negotiated outcome."

"We are respectful of the interest of the European Union to enhance its role in Kosovo, but that should not replace an international effort to find a mutually acceptable solution," he said.

Russia's Churkin said he told the council that "legally speaking, any unilateral declaration of independence by Pristina should be declared null and void by the head of the U.N. mission there" because it violates the 1999 U.N. resolution and the U.N. Charter.

He made clear that Russia, which has veto power in the Security Council, would block any attempt by an independent Kosovo to become a member of the United Nations.

"Going down the way of unilateral moves, Kosovo is not going to join the ranks of fully recognized members of the international community," he said. "It may get some recognitions, regrettably ... but it's not going to come to this building as full-fledged member of the international community. It's not going to be able to join other political international institutions."

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