Pristina: Saying that Kosovo’s status has already been sealed, Kosovo politicians yesterday dismissed Russia, India and China’s call for new status talks.

According to Kosovo Justice Minister Nekibe Kelmendi, by calling for renewed talks between Belgrade and Pristina, the three countries merely wish to lean on those countries that have yet to recognize Kosovo as an independent state.

Kelmendi said, “Kosovo’s status is no longer an issue, as it has been settled. Serbia had plenty of time during the talks, but did not wish to settle the matter through negotiations. Kosovo’s status has been settled on the basis of the Ahtisaari Plan, and that document gave it the green light to declare independence and self-determination, and receive its own identity and international subjectivity in the world.”

Stressing that Serbia and Kosovo could negotiate as two independent states on technical matters in the interests of both countries, the Kosovo Justice Minister ruled out the possibility of talks on status.

Kelmendi said, “We can talk with Serbia about other matters, technical matters of succession and other matters, if Serbia recognizes Kosovo’s independence. It would be better if Serbia didn’t play these sorts of games through Russia, China and India. The best thing would be if Serbia thought well of herself and not ill of Kosovo.”

Sadik Idriz, an MP in the Kosovo parliament, agreed on Kelmendi’s views on further talks. According to Idriz, India, Russia and China’s call for negotiations is nothing more than a ploy aimed at those countries that have already recognized Kosovo’s unilateral independence. Idriz said, “The call is only coming from one side. If there are three sides or four, currently only one side has launched an initiative. It’s a means of tapping into the reaction of the other side, the EU member-states that have already recognized independence.”