PanARMENIAN.Net

Serbia rejects UN plan on Kosovo
03.02.2007 13:46 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ There’s been a predictably mixed reaction to a
proposal that puts Kosovo on a path to independence from Serbia. UN
special envoy Martti Ahtisaari unveiled a plan that avoids the word
‘independent’, but implies eventual sovereignty. Applauded by Kosovo,
the idea is flatly rejected by Serbia.

European Commision President Jose Manuel Barroso declared his support
for the plan and urged the two parties to use it as a basis for
constructive talks. Ahtisaari said his suggestions aim to address
what he calls the "dire economic situation" in the province. Kosovan
Prime Minister Agim Ceku welcomed steps that would give Pristina
access to international bodies and allow it its own flag and anthem.

But while Serbian President Boris Tadic agrees on what the plan
implies, he is categorically opposed to it: "It opens the possibility
for Kosovo’s independence. Serbia, and I as its President will never
accept that."

Ahtisaari said Belgrade and Pristina had one more chance to agree but
that he was "not terribly optimistic" that would happen in his
lifetime, reports EuroNews.