Russian parliament: Kosovo scenario leads to new format of ties with self-proclaimed states

MOSCOW, Feb. 18 (Xinhua) -- Kosovo's independence creates all the prerequisites for Russia's forging a new format of relations with self-proclaimed states, said the two chambers of the Russian parliament in a joint statement issued on Monday.

"Recognition of the independent status of Kosovo will create all necessary prerequisites for building a new format of Russia's relations with self-proclaimed states in the zone of Russia's natural interests, primarily in the post-Soviet space," said the joint statement, signed by speakers of both houses Sergei Mironov and Boris Gryzlov.

The situation of Kosovo has become an international precedent, said the joint statement of the State Duma, the lower house of parliament, and the Federation Council, the upper house.

In view of this, Russia should view the current territorial conflicts taking due account of the Kosovo scenario and of the responses of corresponding states regarding the status of Kosovo, it added.

The parliament also pointed out that Kosovo's declaration of unilateral independence has violated international law.

"The proclamation of Kosovo independence violates one of the chief principles of international law -- the non-violation of territorial integrity of a state," said the statement.

In light of the fundamental principles of international law, the Russian parliament deems it impossible to recognize Kosovo as a sovereign state, or to admit Kosovo to the UN and other international organizations.

The parliament also urged the Russian leadership "to make relevant diplomatic efforts to prevent such developments."

Kosovo's parliament officially declared independence from Serbia on Sunday with support from the United States and some EU countries, sparking mixed responses from the international community.

Russia, which fears the province's independence sets a precedent for secessionist groups worldwide, condemned Kosovo's proclamation, and demanded an urgent UN Security Council meeting on the issue.