Vladimir Chizhov, the Russian Ambassador to the EU, said yesterday that Russia publicly warns the EU not to deploy its EULEX mission in Kosovo.

The Russian Diplomat to the EU emphasized that Russia would agree to a UN Security Council resolution legalizing EULEX if Serbia accepted such a document, and if it clearly defined Kosovo as a part of Serbia.

Chizhov asserted that the EU had no legal mandate to replace UNMIK in Kosovo. According to the Russian diplomat, any such steps would require Serbia’s approval. He affirmed that the EU High Representative for Foreign Policy and Security Javier Solana was well aware of Moscow’s stand.

Speaking at a press conference in Brussels, Chizhov said, “We are now warning the EU not to take an erroneous step. I’m using this opportunity to send a public warning against any attempt to send the EULEX mission to Kosovo, or to re-establish an international presence. The only way to move forward is through dialogue with the Kosovo Serb community, and through a resumption of the negotiating process between Belgrade and Priština, which will be difficult but would constitute the only possible way.

“And, If the EU tries to ignore Russia’s warning, Moscow will use all available means within the UN to draw the attention of the international community to this violation of the UN SC Resolution 1244. “The EU’s decision to send a mission to Kosovo was a great mistake. Russia warns the EU as a friend and partner not to pursue this wrong policy,” Chizhov said.

He said, Moscow had conveyed a clear message to the UN secretary-general, Ban Ki-moon on this issue during his visit to Russia. The UN and its secretary-general, Ban Ki-moon, had rejected the transfer of powers from UNMIK to EULEX.