Petkovic, Botsan-Kharchenko discuss situation in Kosovo-Metohija, dialogue

BELGRADE - The head of the Serbian government Office for Kosovo-Metohija Petar Petkovic met with Russian Ambassador to Belgrade Alexander Botsan-Kharchenko on Monday to inform him of the political and security situation in Kosovo-Metohija and the most recent round of the Belgrade-Pristina dialogue in Brussels.

Petkovic pointed out that, after many meetings in Brussels, a significant step had been made regarding the implementation of a declaration on missing persons and that a joint commission on missing persons had held its first meeting, the Office for Kosovo-Metohija said in a statement.

Petkovic noted that, once again, he had requested concrete, tangible moves towards the establishment of a Community of Serb Municipalities, but that he had also pointed out that Pristina continued to make unlawful, unilateral and escalatory moves that were jeopardising the survival, peace and security of Serbs in Kosovo-Metohija.

He cited numerous examples of institutional and physical violence and terror by Pristina, which he said was trampling even the fundamental human rights of Serbs.

It is important that the international community realises the numerous dangers resulting from Pristina's announcement of the implementation of so-called laws on foreigners and vehicles, and that it takes concrete measures in that direction, Petkovic said, adding that, through all diplomatic channels, Belgrade would continue to fight for the legitimate rights of Kosovo-Metohija Serbs when it comes to those issues and other important matters that were crucial for the life and survival of Serbs in the province.

Petkovic conveyed Belgrade's gratitude for Russia's principled position on Kosovo-Metohija, as well as for its respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic of Serbia and UNSCR 1244, the statement also said.