China calls for dialogue to resolve Kosovo issue

UNITED NATIONS - A Chinese diplomat on Friday called for dialogue among relevant parties of the Kosovo issue to seek a lasting solution.

Wang Min, China's deputy permanent representative to the UN, made the remarks at a Security Council meeting on the UN Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK).

The situation in Kosovo remains calm, but it is a calm shadowed by sensitivity and fragility, Wang noted, expressing China's concern about the fact that ethnic relations in the north remain tense.

"China has always maintained that mutually acceptable solution on the Kosovo issue should be sought within the framework of the Security Council Resolution 1244 and on the basis of dialogue among various parties," Wang said.

The Chinese envoy said that China welcomes the high-level direct talks between Belgrade and Pristina, and hopes that both parties will bear in mind the overarching interest of lasting peace in the region and the well-being of their peoples as they continue making progress in the process of dialogue in order to preserve peace and stability in the Balkans and in Europe as a whole.

Wang emphasized that China has always maintained that the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Serbia should be fully respected. "We hope that the parties concerned will adopt a prudent approach, stick to dialogue to resolve their differences, and avoid taking actions that might further complicate or escalate the situation."

In addition, Wang expressed China's appreciation of UNMIK's unremitting efforts to promote regional peace and stability and enhance dialogue.