Vadim Gustov: Karabakh resolution depends on U.S. stance on Kosovo

PanARMENIAN.Net - Settlement of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict depends on the U.S. position on Kosovo's status, the chairman of the Russian Federation's Council Committee on CIS AffairsVadim Gustov said.



The positions of the sides to the Kosovo conflict have not drastically changed. Pristina still insists on complete independence for the region, including full-right membership to the UN and other international organizations, while Belgrade agrees only to the status of wide autonomy.



The Kosovo issue is expected to be considered without taking into consideration Belgrade's position, Gustov said on November 20 during a video-link between Baku and Moscow.



The United States and the European Union want to complete the fruitless negotiations as soon as possible, but Russia supports Belgrade insisting on continuation of talks. "Russia does not want Kosovo's independence, because that may have very bad consequences," he said.



According to Gustov, Kosovo's independence will first off all affect Transniestria and Nagorno Karabakh. "These regions will also strive for independence and that will aggravate the situation. Therefore, Russia considers it best to keep peacekeeping forces in Kosovo," Gustov said, Trend reports.