Dacic: CoE session aimed at securing independence for so-called Kosovo

NEW YORK - Serbian First Deputy PM and FM Ivica Dacic said on Monday an upcoming Council of Europe (CoE) session on the so-called Kosovo's admission to the organisation had been called to secure independence for the so-called Kosovo and was a follow-up to the 1999 NATO aggression on the then Federal Republic of Yugoslavia.

"That is just a follow-up to what began 25 years ago yesterday. They simply cannot believe a small country like Serbia is fighting against a full independence of 'Kosovo' materialising in the international arena. They are wondering how it is possible that countries are derecognising (the so-called Kosovo). Today, 109 countries do not recognise 'Kosovo' and 84 recognise it," Dacic told reporters at the UN headquarters in New York.

He noted that the international community had demanded that Pristina form a Community of Serb Municipalities in Kosovo-Metohija but then given up on the demand, launching a procedure of Pristina's admission to CoE.

"If it no longer matters whether a state is internationally recognised or not, if it no longer matters whether a part of a territory can secede and become a CoE member, where is the end to all that? Or does someone believe that can apply to Serbia only? We are seriously considering how we should act in a situation where international principles are being grossly violated," Dacic said, noting that, on the other hand, Serbia must look after its international position.

"What is certain is that 'Kosovo' will not be able to join the UN as long as we and our leadership, headed by President (Aleksandar) Vucic, maintain our firm position that we will never recognise 'Kosovo' as independent," Dacic said.