Following talks with Serbian Prime Minister Vojislav Kostunica, Mr Putin said that Russia is concerned by the situation in Kosovo, and the recent outbreak of violence provoked by extremists showed that there are still are many burning issues to be resolved. These include, above all, guaranteeing the non-Albanian population’s safety and ensuring that basic human rights and freedoms are observed.
The President said he is convinced that the situation in Kosovo can be regulated only if the international community takes a more active stand, becomes more aware of the reality of what is going on in the region and acts more firmly and consistently to fight extremism.
Russia will continue to take active part in the work of international organisations involved in regulating the situation in Kosovo, Mr Putin said.