Jeremic Warns Montenegro on Kosovo

Jeremic at the UN SC (FoNet archive)

Serbian Foreign Minister said that the establishment of diplomatic relations between Montenegro and Kosovo institutions would represent an unnecessary provocation. It would be as if Podgorica were sticking its finger in Serbia's eye, he said.

In an interview with the daily Blic Vuk Jeremic expressed his hope that this will not happen during International Court, ICJ, hearings on whether Kosovo's declaration of independence went against international law.

"In case it still happens, we will react in an adequate manner, in accordance with our national interests," the daily quoted him as saying.

The ICJ hearings will last until 11 December, while judges are expected to deliver their opinion in a a few months time.

Jeremic said that officials of some countries, including Montenegro, spoke publicly of the possibility of withdrawing their recognition for Kosovo in the case the ICJ says Kosovo's independence declaration violated international law.

"In any case, we expect that the termination of the judicial process will lead to a renewal of dialogue that will bring a compromise solution acceptable for all interested sides, confirmed by the UN Security Council. We expect that all the countries in the world will accept such a solution," Jeremic added.

Montenegrin Deputy Prime Minister Svetozar Marovic told Beta news agency last week that there are no obstacles for Montenegro to establish diplomatic relations with Kosovo and that preparations for opening its consular department in Pristina are ongoing.

When asked whether Montenegro would withdraw recognition of Kosovo's independence if the ICJ's advisory opinion on the issue proves to be in favour of Serbia, the minister didn't answer directly.

"I am not convinced that we can expect all the major countries that have recognised Kosovo's independence to bring their decision into question... If the Court decides recognition was illegal, then Montenegro will see what to do," the agency quoted Marovic as saying.

According to Tanjug news agency, Serbia's Ambassador to Podgorica Zoran Lutovac requested Montenegro to postpone the establishment of diplomatic relations with Kosovo untill the ICJ comes to a conclusion.