RUSSIAN-YUGOSLAV STATEMENT SIGNED

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Yugoslav President Vojislav Kostunica have signed a joint statement. Russia and Yugoslavia see its major short-term task in rendering Yugoslavia assistance in the restoration of economy, overcoming of NATO aggression’ consequences, and the policy of sanctions, the statement says. The parties have also called for honouring the UN Security Council’s resolution No. 1244 over Kosovo, for constructing a democratic, multi-ethnic society there, for the soonest political negotiations and concluding agreement over Kosovo’s status within the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, RIA Novosti reports.