Russian MP says US made crude mistakes on former Yugoslavia

Russian MP says US made crude mistakes on former Yugoslavia
Itar-Tass - February 18, 2005

By Sofya Filippova, Viktoria Sokolova

MOSCOW, February 18 - U.S. Administration made a range of crude mistakes as regards the former Yugoslavia, Konstantin Kosachyov, the chairman of foreign policy committee at the State Duma told reporters Friday.

"In the first place, I mean bombing raids and the break-up of the country's territorial integrity," he said while making comments on the forthcoming Russian-American summit in Bratislava.

The situation in Kosovo is an uncomfortable topic for U.S. officials, Kosachyov said.

He mentioned the uncertainty around Kosovo's status, saying: "It's impossible to grant independence to Kosovo as it might set a precedent and create numerous conflict situations around the world".

The issue of that Serbian province will likely remain open for many more years, Kosachyov said.