02 June 2004 12:59
Russia to promote Serbia-Montenegro state-union - spokesman
Moscow, 2 June: Russia "intends to promote the strengthening of the State-Union of Serbia-Montenegro",
Russian Foreign Ministry's official spokesman Aleksandr Yakovenko said today.
"The creation of the State-Union of Serbia-Montenegro is a step in the right direction," the diplomat said.
"Russia is committed to the stabilization of the situation in Serbia." He believes that after the 13 June
presidential election and the coming into being of legislative and executive authorities, the republic will be able to
overcome crisis phenomena. It's important that "Belgrade and Podgoritsa should continue to follow the course
of democratic change". The world community "should give them active support in this sphere".
"Serbia and Montenegro are among Russia's priority partners in the Balkans," Yakovenko said. Moscow is
keen "to expand ties with partners and to make better use of existing potential, especially in the economic
sphere". "The historical traditions and spiritual closeness of our peoples should become additional factors in
our practical collaboration," the diplomat believes.
Moscow, Belgrade and Podgoritsa are engaged in an active dialogue. "The state of, and prospects for, the
development of cooperation, the situation in the State-Union of Serbia-Montenegro, the Kosovo issue and European
integration" are being discussed.
In the context of regional security, Yakovenko emphasized, "Kosovo remains the main sore point". "The
world community must take the most decisive measures to normalize the situation in the province and ensure full
compliance with UN Security Council Resolution 1244," he said. The need to overcome the consequences of the recent
surge of violence which resulted in ethnic cleansing of the Serb population" is especially urgent. Moscow proceeds
from the fact that " in its work, the international presence in Kosovo should be very much aware of the Security
Council chairman's 30 April statement which named the steps aimed at stabilizing the situation".
[ITAR-TASS news agency] |
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