Serbia Thanks Russia For Support Over Kosovo

Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov on Thursday accused the EU and NATO of creating an "unhealthy situation" in Europe, while his Serbian hosts thanked Russia for its support and repeated that Serbia will not introduce Western-style sanctions.

"There is an unhealthy situation in Europe because of the attempts of some members of the EU and NATO to strengthen confrontation, pushing NATO further to the east without taking into account the opinion of the population," Lavrov told a joint press conference with Serbia's Foreign Minister, Ivica Dacic, in Belgrade on Thursday, according to Beta news agency.

The occasion of Lavrov's visit to Belgrade was the 180th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between Russia and Serbia.

Russia's top diplomat met Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic, Prime Minister Ana Brnabic and Foreign Minister Dacic.

The Russian Minister also commented on Kosovo President Hashim Thaci's statement on Thursday to Germany's Die Tageszeitung, that "Russia could play a very positive role in the peace process by recognizing Kosovo's independence", by warning that Russia will not abandon its opposition to Kosovo's independence.

Lavrov said Russia would not be changing its position regarding Kosovo.

"It will not change. Kosovo leaders have to deal with their affairs, because they are already charged with war crimes. Unfortunately, world colleagues, who are protecting the Albanian authorities, forget that," he said.

Russia was among the first to condemn Kosovo's declaration of independence from Serbia in 2008, and has since voted against the membership of Kosovo in international institutions in line with Belgrade's policies.

In turn, Serbia has refused to join Western...