Posted on 09/16/2009 9:11:20 PM PDT by montyspython
Israel opposes Kosovo recognition, urges talks
Sep 16, 2009
Israeli Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman and Serbia Foreign Minister Vuk Jeremic have agreed that new negotiations between Belgrade and Pristina is the only way to achieve a long-term and stable solution for the future status of Kosovo.
Lieberman said that direct talks is the only way that a comprehensive peace in the region can be achieved. Israeli Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman, left, and Serbia Foreign Minister Vuk Jeremic meet in Serbia September 16, 2009.
Israeli Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman, left, and Serbia Foreign Minister Vuk Jeremic meet in Serbia September 16, 2009.
Lieberman says Israel has a “history of friendly relations” with Serbia, adding that Serbs and Jews fought together against the Nazis.
“I am deeply grateful to Israel on its position on Kosovo and Metohia, and especially to mister Lieberman personally for his contribution to that decision,” said Minister Jeremic.
“Israel does not recognize the unilaterally declared independence of Kosovo and that is something we value highly, especially in view of the pressures that Israel is under” to recognize Kosovo, said Jeremic.
Asked whether Israel is under pressure to recognize Kosovo, Lieberman said that Israel is “under pressure for many issues since 1948 and knows how to handle itself”.
Both Ministers agreed that the relations between two countries are excellent and expressed hope to extend the relationship on matters of trade and business.
During Lieberman’s visit, both countries signed and agreement that abolishes travel visas between the two countries.
Pointing out that this is an important step in the development of the two countries’ relations, Lieberman said that the agreement is a way to remove obstacles for Serbian business people and tourists to visit Israel.
Lieberman noted the excellent business relations between Serbia and Israel and said that the future will bring an improved trade, cooperation in agriculture and high technology.
Lieberman is paying a one day visit to Serbia, during which he will meet with President Tadic, Prime Minister Cvetkovic and Defense Minister Dragan Sutanovac. He is also planned to meet with Serbian parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Dragoljub Micunovic.
Serbian President Boris Tadic thanked the visiting Minister for Israel’s support of Serbia’s territorial integrity.
“We value highly Israel’s support for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Serbia by not recognizing the illegal and unilateral declaration of independence of our Kosovo province,” said Tadic.
Separately, Minister Jeremic said that the officials in Morocco have told him that Morocco will not recognize Kosovo and will continue to oppose its unilateral declaration of independence in international institutions too.
Jeremic met in Rabat with Moroccan Prime Minister Abbas El Fassi, Foreign Minister Taieb Fassi-Fihri, President of the Assembly of Representatives Mustapha Mansouri, and President of the Assembly of Councilors Maati Benkaddour.
The talks focused also on Morocco’s experience regarding Western Sahara.
The independence of Western Sahara was recognized at first by many countries, but about 20 states, including India and Serbia revoked their decisions after many years.
September 16, 2009
SERBIANNA
Ping
can you find the exact quote, if not no worries
The KLA is a mafia out to destroy Europe faste than the euro ever could.
wow not his finest moment there
Wrong Lieberman. This is Avigdor Lieberman.
No, it was Joe.
No it wasn’t.
Excellent. Now if only Israel could use this common ally to forge a partnership with Russia, and convince them to slow their arms sales to Iran.
There's more: Serbian, Israeli FMs sign visa-free deal
Article references Avigdor Lieberman, Israeli Foreign Minister.
Different guys!
Israeli Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman and Serbia Foreign Minister Vuk Jeremic have agreed that new negotiations between Belgrade and Pristina is the only way to achieve a long-term and stable solution for the future status of Kosovo.
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