RIA Novosti
Moscow, June 26 (RIA Novosti) The European Union (EU) believes Russia’s stance on Kosovo is not constructive enough, the head of the EU delegation to Moscow said Thursday. The EU has welcomed a report by UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon proposing that the UN cede its powers to the government of Kosovo and to a 2,200-strong EU mission to be deployed there.

Ban has proposed “reconfiguring” the UN administration in the region, a move Russia has strongly opposed.

Kosovo unilaterally declared its independence from Serbia Feb 17. The US and the majority of EU countries have since recognized it. However, Russia has been supporting its ally Serbia in refusing to recognize the world’s “newest state”.

“We deplore the fact that Russia has not been very forthcoming or constructive. Russia has always said what should not be done but never said what should be done,” Marc Franco said, adding that the situation in Kosovo “is untenable and cannot continue as it is”.

He said a solution to the Kosovo problem would require “positive engagement on the Russian side”.

“In meantime, we will work together with UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon. The EU mission will work together with UNMIK (UN Mission in Kosovo),” he said.

The EU official said the Kosovo issue would likely come up at the ongoing Russia-EU summit in Khanty-Mansiisk, Western Siberia.

“Kosovo is indeed an issue on which we disagree and the EU has always said in the past that it would prefer a solution… that would have the approval of Belgrade and to which Moscow would also contribute,” he said.

He said that “by ensuring that Kosovo takes its place in the western Balkans, develops its own administrative and government structures” the EU can “contribute not just to the development of Kosovo but also to the wider stability of the region”.
RIA Novosti