Minister of Foreign Affairs Vuk Jeremic said that Serbia has no plans to withdraw the resolution on Kosovo-Metohija which it submitted to the UN General Assembly, but stressed that negotiations are underway with partners from the international community so as to reach agreement.

The Minister told B92 television last night that the resolution itself is not a goal but a means, and stressed that Serbia wants to end the political process that was conducted before the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on 9 September and to reach a conclusion that will ensure the continuation of peaceful and diplomatic efforts of our country and prevent the establishment of the so-called state of Kosovo.

He explained that this should allow the opening of new negotiations that will lead to a compromise solution, the establishment of regional peace and stability and prevention of Serbia coming into conflict with countries with which it wants to be a partner.

The Minister emphasised that Serbia respects international law and the ICJ’s decision, noting that careful reading of the advisory opinion of the court shows that it does not imply that the Kosovo Albanians have obtained a right to secession.

The Minister recalled that since 22 June, when the ICJ stated its advisory opinion, there has been no large-scale recognition of Kosovo's independence, noting that only one country, Honduras, recognized Kosovo’s statehood.

Despite the fact that Serbia expects the UN General Assembly on 9 September not to make a decision that would give Albanians the right to secession, we are not going to New York as favourites, because of great pressure, the Minister maintained, adding that the adoption of Serbia's resolution should not be taken as a triumph, because many countries will not accept this.

Jeremic highlighted that the Serbian government will not give up its priorities, namely European integration, but will not accept any conditions inconsistent with the Serbian Constitution.