'Blic' interview with SCG Foreign Minister Vuk Draskovic

Independence of Kosovo would lead to independence of the Republic of Srpska

'Independence of Kosovo would mean automatic independence of the Republic of Srpska as per the same principles. In my contacts with world leaders I am insisting on the principle of the same standards. I permanently point out that settlement of Kosovo issue within Serbia would stabilize Bosnia and Herzegovina. Everything that Albanians get in Kosovo, let Serbs get in the Republic of Srpska', Serbia and Montenegro Foreign Minister Vuk Draskovic says for 'Blic'.

'Our agreed state strategy for Kosovo is more than autonomy but less than independence. Such formula is in force regarding the present status of the south Tirol but also nonexisting status of the Republic of Srpska stipulated by Z4 Plan', Draskovic says.

Q: Does Z4 Plan has support by the state officials?

'I am sure that democratic forces in the Parliament are not going to be against such plan for the future Kosovo status'.

Q: What does international community say about Z4?

'The world understands that future Kosovo status has to be result of a compromise'.

Q: Is Brussels talking about proposal by the International Group for the Balkans about independence of Kosovo in phases?

'There will be no independence'.

Q: Serbia Deputy Prime Minister Miroljub Labus said that technical obstacles would cause that beginning of negotiations about stabilization and association was postponed for November. What technical obstacles did he have in mind?

'Technical obstacle is called Ratko Mladic. At this moment we must not allow any strategic obstacle to appear. In Brussels I always refer to the policy of the same standards. Croatia has become member of the Partnership for Peace although Ante Gotovina is still at large'.

Q: Do you expect that negotiation with EU will begin on October 5?

'I am always an optimist in spite of the life experience. The crucial problem is that we quickly find the way out from two tunnels instead of drilling a third one, conflict between Belgrade and Podgorica. The way out from the first tunnel is fulfilment of all remaining obligations towards the Hague Tribunal. The way out from the second tunnel is intensive approach in negotiations regarding standards in Kosovo. This understands that Kosovo Serbs join working groups and Kosovo Parliament'.

Q: Do you expect Brussels to be mediator between Belgrade and Podgorica regarding referendum on independence?

'I think there was no reason for Solana to deal with any list of the citizens. It is quite legitimate that citizens of Serbia having citizenship of Montenegro take part in eventual referendum. Brussels shall no doubt define conditions for referendum'.