Kosovo should be preserved within existing borders

A solution for Kosovo and Metohija should be sought within the existing borders, with substantial autonomy and respect for the rights of all national communities in the region, Serbian Premier Vojislav Kostunica pointed out on Dec. 19.

"Independence is not a compromise. A different level of autonomy for Kosovo and Metohija is a compromise", the Serbian premier said. He also said that, within Kosovo's autonomy, special autonomy should be provided for non-Albanians in the province.

Bulgarian Premier Sergey Stanisev said he was opposed to creating new borders in the Western Balkans, cautioning that the region must not bring up the past and endless divisions again. "The Kosovo talks must produce a mutually acceptable solution, and decentralisation should guarantee the rights of all citizens of Kosovo," Beta News Agency quoted Bulgarian premier as saying.

V.Y.