China supports pragmatic, constructive dialogues on Kosovo issue: envoy

A Chinese envoy to the UN on Friday said that China supports pragmatic and constructive dialogues between the two parties of the Kosovo issue and welcomed their high-level talks.

"The current situation in Kosovo remains stable by and large but still faces complex factors," Wang Min, China's deputy permanent representative to the world body, told a Security Council meeting.

He noted that China appreciates the vigorous efforts by the Serbian government in seeking out a solution for the Kosovo issue and welcomes the fact that Belgrade and Pristina have recently continued to hold high-level talks.

"China supports pragmatic and constructive dialogues between the two parties as well as efforts to implement agreements that have already been reached, so as to effectively protect the legitimate, vital interests of all ethnic groups in Kosovo," he said.

The Chinese diplomat stressed that both parties should persist in their efforts to resolve their tensions and differences through talks and avoid taking any actions that may lead to further complication and escalation of the situation, saying "this would be conducive to the maintenance of peace and security on the Balkans and throughout Europe."

He also hoped the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK), the European Union Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo (EULEX) and the Kosovo Force will strengthen their coordination and cooperation and make positive, constructive contribution to the solution of the Kosovo issue.

Kosovo is the subject of a long-running political and territorial dispute between Belgrade and Pristina. Serbia categorically refuses to recognize Kosovo's unilateral declaration of independence in 2008, though most leading European countries and the United States have exchanged diplomats with Kosovo. Endit