----- Original Message ----- From: wolfgang mueller <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: Wolfgang Mueller <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Sent: Thursday, May 18, 2000 3:42 PM Subject: MLL: TALKS OF YUGOSLAV, RUSSIAN FOREIGN MINISTERS IN MOSCOW __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Send instant messages & get email alerts with Yahoo! Messenger. http://im.yahoo.com/ -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- TALKS OF YUGOSLAV, RUSSIAN FOREIGN MINISTERS IN MOSCOW MOSCOW - Yugoslav Foreign Minister Zivadin Jovanovic held on Tuesday in Moscow lengthy talks with Russian Foreign Ministrer Igor Ivanov, which were assessed by both as open and meaningful. Russia considers Yugoslavia to be an important partner in the Balkans ans is interested in the building of long-term strategic relations, in the interest of the two countries, and stability in the Balkans, Ivanov said, opening a press conference, following the meeting today with the Yugoslav minister. He said that they reviewed a range of issues related to bilateral relations, and that it was affirmed that the two countries were interested in broadening political dialogue, enhancing economic, cultural and other forms of cooperation, and of traditional friendly links. Also reviewed were international problems, including the situation in the Balkans, where, according to Ivanov, Russia's position was unchanged- the solution of the situation in Kosovo-Metohija is firmly based in the implementation of UN SC Resolution 1244. For Russia, of essential importance are the principles of respect for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Yugoslavia, as well as the creation of conditions for the unimpeded return of people expelled from Kosovo-Metohija, regardless of their ethnic and religious affiliation, Ivanov said, adding that Moscow was urging, while respecting the position of Belgrade, that in Kosovo-Metohija be built a status of broad autonomy, within Yugsolavia. "Only with the active participation of Yugoslavia can be resolved key problems of achieving stability and security in the Balkans," the Russian foreign minister said, pointing out that Russia will continue to urge the renewal of dialogue with Belgarde and for the full membership pf Yugoslavia in international organizations. While agreeing with the assessment of the Russian counterpart that the talks were successful and constructive, Jovanovic pointed out that it was a comprehensive exchange of opinions and information about the internal situation in Russia and in Yugoslavia, about bilateral cooperation within international organizations, and about a number of international and regional issues, including the situation in Kosovo-Metohija. "The talks were held in an atmosphere of mutual respect, sincerity and friendship, and I am deeply convinced that they will help promote political dialogue, boost trade-economic relations and enhance cooperation on the international level," the Yugoslav foreign minister said. He stressed that relations between Yugoslavia and Russia were of strategic importance and aimed at enhancing peace and stability in Southeastern Europe and in the entire continent. Particularly important is that during the talks today were reviewed concrete ideas for promoting political dialogue and enhancing overall cooperation of the two countries, Jovanovic said. He said that full agreement was reached on the position that a solution to the situaion in Kosovo-Metohija was only possible on the basis of the urgent and unconditional implementation of UN SC Resolution 1244, while fully respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Yugoslavia and respect for the equality of its citizens, regardless of their religious and national affiliation. Of exceptional important is the creation of conditions for the return and safe stay of people who in the past 11 months since the arrival of KFOR and UNMIK, have been expelled from Kosovo-Metohija in the ethnic cleansing campaign of non-Albanian populations, Jovanovi c said. He underlined that putting a stop to terrorism, international trafficking and crime in Kosovo-Metohija, and the closing and protection of the broders of Yugoslavia with Macedonia and Albania, represent an essential condition for finding a solution to the situation in the province and in the entire region. The Yugoslav delegation, headed by Yugoslav Foreign Minister Zivadin Jovanovic, completed on Tuesday a two-day visit to Russia. (tanjug,17.05.2000)
