German FM disagrees with Serbian draft-resolution for Kosovo in UN

German Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle visited Kosovo Friday, during a regional tour in which he reiterated European perspective for the western-Balkan countries.

Speaking in Pristina after his meeting with Kosovo leaders, Westerwelle underlined that he doesn't agree with the way Serbia is handling Kosovo issue after the advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague.

Serbia has drafted a resolution on Kosovo issue for the September annual sessions of the UN General Assembly, a move that is facing opposition from western countries that have recognized Kosovo independence.

"We thought that we should work for constructive third way or compromise," said Westerwelle referring to Serbian resolution, after his meeting with Kosovo President Fatmir Sejdiu, Prime minister Hashim Thaqi and Foreign Minister Skender Hyseni.

He stressed that the model and the value of EU is cooperation and not confrontation.

"EU is willing to support any direct talks and negotiations and we ask all the participants in this process to be cooperative, to be flexible enough for a constructive dialogue because we think that in a long term the western-Balkan states will have their future and their perspective in the EU," said German Foreign Minister.

Germany is the second country, behind the United States, with financial and military involvement in Kosovo. Over 1,500 German military personnel are serving in NATO-led peacekeeping mission ( KFOR) in Kosovo. Some hundred experts are serving in European mission for Rule of Law in Kosovo, EULEX.

Westerwelle underlined that his country will continue to support European perspective for Kosovo, in the same manner they do for other Balkan countries, but with a concrete precondition.

"There should be a clear progress, especially in the fight against corruption, organized crimes and a strong commitment to enforce rule of law," said Westerwelle.

Referring to advisory opinion of ICJ on Kosovo legality, Westerwelle asked five remaining EU countries to act in the way Germany did in recognizing Kosovo's independence.

"We ask them after the clear decision of the ICJ to follow majority in the EU. It is a clear majority," said Westerwelle.

During his visit in Kosovo, Westerwelle addressed Kosovo assembly in a special session.