Beijing: China today insisted that negotiations was the best way to resolve the Kosovo issue as unilateral declaration of independence might have "serious consequences" and a bearing on the peace and stability in the Balkan region and norms governing international relations.

As the Kosovo issue sharply divided the world with the US and major European powers recognising it as an independent nation in stark contrast to the position of UN veto-wielding nations, Russia and China, Foreign Ministry spokesman Liu Jianchao said Beijing was concerned over unilateral declaration of independence.

Serbia and Kosovo should reach a solution acceptable to both through negotiations within the framework of the international law and the global community should create conditions favourable for this, the spokesman said. "This is the best way for resolving the issue," Liu said.

He said the declaration could also have a bearing on the role of the United Nations Security Council and the goal to establish a multi-ethnic society. Liu said unless the UNSC takes any other decision, the existing Council resolution "shall be the basis to resolve the status of Kosovo". China, he said, would continue to play a "constructive role" on the issue.

Liu dismissed Taiwan s recognition of the independence of Kosovo, saying it had no right to give "so called recognition". Taiwan was "an inseparable part" of Chinese territory which was "universally recognised", he said. Taiwan had split from China at the end of a civil war in 1949.

Source : PTI