Kosovo issue must be resolved within framework of UNSCR 1244 - Chinese ambassador

BELGRADE - China's Ambassador to Belgrade Li Ming said on Wednesday the Kosovo-Metohija issue needed to be resolved through dialogue and within the framework of UNSCR 1244.

Speaking to the RTS, Li said the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of the Republic of Serbia must be fully respected.

"We have been watching recent developments in Kosovo and we are concerned. We believe that any unilateral action can lead to a spread of panic and escalation of tensions, which is in no one's interest - not in the interest of either side involved in this dispute, nor in the interest of regional peace and stability," the ambassador said.

He said he believed all ethnic groups - including the Serbs - and their legitimate rights and security must be respected and guaranteed.

"That is why we hope it will be possible to implement the 2013 Brussels Agreement and the establishment of a Community of Serb Municipalities. In principle, we hope the Kosovo issue will be resolved based on international law and within the framework of relevant UN resolutions. We respect and appreciate Serbia's political efforts to resolve this problem and this issue," Li said.

He also said he had had an excellent meeting with Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic on Tuesday to exchange views and ideas on Sino-Serbian bilateral relations.