Kosovo solution must respect Serb vote result-Russia

MOSCOW, Feb 9 (Reuters) International efforts to settle Kosovo's status must respect political realities inside Serbia and not set artificial deadlines, Russia's Foreign Ministry said in a statement today.

''The Russian side underlined the need for the sides and international mediators to patiently seek a solution ... without artificial time frames and while respecting internal Serbian political realities in connection with the recent parliamentary elections,'' the statement said.

Russia opposes a proposal unveiled last week by the United Nations envoy on Kosovo that would set the Serbian province on the path to independence. An historic ally of Serbia, Russia could use its veto in the UN Security Council to block the plan.

Reuters PDM KP1359