Kosovo solution should be approved by Belgrade and Pristina: Putin

Moscow, Jan 17 (UNI) Stressing that any solution to the problem of Kosovo will set a precedent for the world community, Russian President Vladimir Putin has said the Kosovo issue should be based on the approval by Belgrade and Pristina.

''Our approach to this issue is absolutely clear. Any decision on Kosovo should be approved by both sides. It is equally clear that any solution for Kosovo will serve as a precedent in international practices,'' Interfax news agency quoted Mr Putin as saying.

''Acting in this very way, we will be able to jointly find ways of resolving the most complex regional problems with Kosovo being undoubtedly the most pressing one for the Balkans,'' he said.

Mr Putin's remark comes as UN Security Council remained deadlocked over Kosovo status with no prospects of a compromise.

Many Western countries support the Kosovo's drive for independence. Recently they also agreed to decide the Kosovo's status by the European Union and NATO.

Russia has always strongly opposed Kosovo independence, urging a compromise between Belgrade and Pristina.

Russian Ambassador to the UN Vitaly Churkin reiterated yesterday that the future of Kosovo was a Security Council issue.

He said Council members should prepare a roadmap that would provide solutions to overcome the differences in approaches to Kosovo's status.

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