Serbia has begun a vigorous diplomatic offensive against Kosovo independence by insisting to be present at every important international meeting, summit, and conference so that it can force Kosovo as a discussion topic, Serb Foreign Minister, Vuk Jeremiq, is quoted as saying in an interview for Serb daily Blic.

 

Serbia is trying to win the support of as many world states as possible, so that in September, at the meeting of the General Assembly of the United Nations it can get support for its initiative to make UN Security Council request a legal opinion by the International Court of Justice in The Hague regarding the legality of the independence of the Republic of Kosovo.

"Practically we are present everywhere in the world, so that we can talk to as many representatives of different countries," said Jeremiq. According to him, Serb diplomacy has insisted to be present at any place where a meeting of international character takes place, to impose Kosovo as a discussion topic.

"Alongside our presence in the UN, OSCE, and other European organizations, we have participated in places where Serbia is not a member such as in South America, African Union summit, Islamic Conference, Non-Aligned Countries, and Arab League. We have achieved to hold meetings across the globe, and we have been able to maintain Kosovo as a controversial topic at the highest level. I think that in this way we have stopped the idea of those that support Kosovo independence and we have achieved to prevent the expansion of recognitions for Kosovo," Jeremiq is quoted as saying.

 

"I acknowledge that most powerful nations have recognized Kosovo," and "the court decision will have no legal implications," stated Jeremiq for the paper.

Nevertheless, Jeremiq has refused to give a final tally of the states that support Serb request at the General Assembly of the UN. Serbia needs 96 votes to require General Assembly to request the legal opinion, although Serbia by itself can file such a request at any time.