Macedonia believes that the Belgrade-Pristina dialogue needs to continue although the current situation constitutes an additional difficulty, but it is against the talks about partition of Kosovo because it can destabilise the entire region, Macedonian President Djordje Ivanov stated.

In an interview for Tanjug, Ivanov said that his country is prepared to mediate in the search for a solution.

Macedonia is closely monitoring the situation in Kosovo and the relations between Pristina and Belgrade, Ivanov said. He noted that his country is aware that the latest developments constitute another obstacle in the talks, but he believes that negotiations must go on all issues where a progress can be made.

According to the Macedonian president, his country advocates maximum respect for citizens' rights in all countries in the region, but it also supports citizens' right to self-determination and respect of ethnic rights.

Ivanov noted that many countries from the region and Europe see Kosovo's independence as an already acknowledged fact and although he has understanding for Serbia's stands, relevant sides need to find a way to perform their functions until the solution is found or at least to prevent relations from aggravating further.

Speaking about the demarcation of administrative lines with Kosovo which Serbia opposed, Ivanov said that Macedonia is one of few countries in the region which has no territorial disputes with its neighbours and has EU's support in this matter.

He expressed belief that the decision on closing the border issues with Serbia and Kosovo is spot-on and that by this step, Macedonia would manage to additionally reduce the potential for tensions and destabilisation.

Ivanov underlined that apart from the differences as regards Kosovo, the relations between Serbia and Macedonia are on the rise and the economic cooperation between the two countries is deepening. Serbia is one of the top countries on the list of Macedonia's trade partners, he said and added that cooperation in the areas of communication, tourism and culture is also improving.

The Serbian community in Macedonia and the Macedonian community in Serbia are also contributing to this end, he added.

Macedonia and Serbia have no disputes when it comes to the domain of foreign policy, save for the Kosovo issue, the president said and added that both countries are firmly planted on their path to EU integration.

Recalling the two countries' joint participation in a number of regional initiatives and the close contact he is maintaining with President Boris Tadic thereon, Ivanov underscored that there is still room for improving the cooperation and setting up closer ties between business communities, as well as construction of roads, energy lines and communication corridors, culture and education.