Russia’s fresh initiative over Balkan crisis

Russia suggests that Balkan states sign an agreement to settle the situation in the Balkans. This initiative was put forward Wednesday by Russian Foreign Minister Igor Ivanov. He believes this document should afford a prerequisite to preserving integrity and sovereignty of the Balkan states along with non-use of force against their neighbours. In Mr. Ivanov's opinion, the UN Security Council should guarantee the implementation of the agreement. In this case, stressed the minister, the UN Security Council will be able to resort to force in keeping with the 7th article of the UN Charter, along with political and economic measures.