UN STARTS CLOSED-DOOR CONSULTATIONS ON KOSOVO

Azat Artsakh Tert, Nagorno Karabakh Republic NKR
July 18 2007

The UN Security Council has started closed-door consultations on the
new draft resolution on Kosovo. The issue was put on the agenda by
request of the authors, namely the U.S., France and UK. The document is
based on Martti Ahtisaari’s plan which supposes granting independence
status to Kosovo irrespective of Serbia’s position. 120 days are set
for talks between Pristina and Belgrade. However, the provision, which
calls for independence status upon expiration of the negotiation terms,
has been withdrawn from the new draft resolution.

The U.S., France and UK describe the draft as compromise and expect
concession from Russia. Nevertheless, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey
Lavrov said last week that Russia will not back a decision taken
without Serbia’s consent. Western diplomats give to know that if
Russia imposes veto it will thus complicate relations with the West
while the process of Kosovo’s secession will go out of the UN control,
the UN communication unite reports.