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Moscow threatens force over Kosovo |
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Friday, 22 February 2008 |
Formal recognition of Kosovo as an independent state by the EU or NATO
obligates Moscow to resort to 'brute force,' Russia's envoy to NATO says.
In a video link-up from Brussels Dmitry Rogozin said, "if the European Union
works out a common position, or if NATO breaches its mandate in Kosovo, these
organizations will be in conflict with the United Nations," Interfax news agency
reported.
"We too will have to proceed from the view that in order to be respected we must
use brute force, in other words armed force."
Russia, a permanent member of the UN Security Council, has been vehemently
opposing Kosovo's independence, backing Serbia, and reflecting Moscow's close
ties with the leadership in Belgrade.
Rogozin also cited unconfirmed reports that NATO troops were blocking the border
between Kosovo and Serbia and not allowing Serb officials into Kosovo.
"This is not what we agreed. If this information is confirmed, then here in
Brussels there will be some tough talking with our partners, and there could be
quite a dramatic development in relations between Russia and NATO," RIA Novosti
quoted Rogozin as saying.
The Russian envoy highlighted that 'under no circumstances' should NATO get
involved in politics and that "It must remain neutral.''
So far, over a dozen nations have recognized Kosovo's declaration of
independence from Serbia, including the United States, Britain, France and
Germany, while Russia, China, Spain and others, have rejected the unilateral
declaration.
Source: Press TV
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