China calls for further dialogue to solve Kosovo issue

UNITED NATIONS, March 22 (Xinhua) -- China on Friday called on relevant parties to come to a settlement of the Kosovo issue through dialogue and avoid any move that might deteriorate the current situation in the region.

Li Baodong, China's permanent representative to the United Nations, made the remarks at an open UN Security Council meeting on the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo ( UNMIK).

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, Li said.

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

Li 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."

The Chinese envoy also 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.

Li also expressed China's appreciation of UNMIK's unremitting efforts to promote regional peace and stability and enhance dialogue.

"We hope that the international presence through UNMIK, the European Union Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo and the Kosovo Force will strengthen coordination and play an active and constructive role in facilitating solutions to the outstanding questions," he said.

Stressing that China is extremely concerned about the illicit trafficking in human organs in Kosovo, Li said any violation of the standards of international law and international humanitarian law is unacceptable, and the perpetrators must be held accountable.

"The United Nations should play the role that is expected of it and ensure the full and complete investigation of the cases in question," added the Chinese ambassador.