the Russian diplomat commented in the media are discussing the draft agreement between Belgrade and Pristina, brokered the United States, which assigned the idea of exchanging territories with Serbia’s recognition of Kosovo’s independence. “You know, I too often see on the pages of various publications – and not only the Albanian – description of the scenario, according to which Belgrade and Pristina agree among themselves on the one hand, on the recognition of Kosovo and, on the other hand, about a territorial exchange based on ethnicity, – said Afanasiev. – As I said, Russia is ready to accept any solution agreed by the parties. But if we talk about the principled position of Russia on the question of change of borders in Europe, it fully complies with European documents, establishing the principle of inviolability of borders established on the continent after the Second world war. Taking the decision on the revision of the boundaries, and stakeholders and their international partners must clearly understand what long-term consequences such decisions will have. In particular, it does not cause such a precedent “Domino effect” on relations with other European countries having territorial disputes with neighbors, who will rely on established precedent. It must always be remembered, and to prevent hasty action”.
the Ambassador openly said that Russia is interested in development of relations with Albania in all directions.
“Moscow believes that it has all the necessary prerequisites, he said. – In the modern world the bilateral relations are based on pragmatic and mutually beneficial basis. If you take, for example, Russia’s contacts with other countries in the region – Turkey, Greece, Italy, countries of former Yugoslavia, with most of them Russia supports normal relations, underpinned by active cooperation in the field of economy, culture and science. Unfortunately, with Albania such forms of cooperation are minimized, and it is not the initiative of the Russian side. The last few years, we see no reciprocal movement from the Albanian partners. As you know, for friendship need two sides. Russia is open to cooperation and ready to develop bilateral relations with Albania. From our side, “open the card”: we can offer Albania mutually beneficial cooperation in economy, culture, art, health, science, etc. especially since we already have historical experience of good cooperation and friendship in the 1950s, the Soviet Union played a major role in restoring the national economy of Albania, the creation of entire industries, as well as the development of culture, education and science. This is the basis that we will continue to develop. And the question about who and why m��increases cooperation between our countries, I will answer briefly – certainly not Russia.”
Afanasyev stressed that the Balkans is important for Russia.
“And we do not hide – said a senior diplomat. – Russia has long been present in the Balkans – not the last 30-40 years, and centuries. It would be wrong to say that we are here to maintain relations solely with the Orthodox countries, as our largest partner is, primarily, Turkey. Of course, have close relations with Greece. The countries of former Yugoslavia are also included in the scope of our successful partners. Therefore, we cannot say that Russia is for anyone in the region is focused. With someone better, someone worse. Russia is interested in the fact that in this region, which is not so far from our borders, peace, stability, tranquility and economic prosperity. This is important to us, both from the point of view of their own security, and the development of mutually beneficial economic cooperation with the countries of the region. We all are neighbors on the Black sea – by the way, Albania is also a member of the BSEC (Organization of black sea economic cooperation). We are all partners in such European organizations as the OSCE. All countries in the region aimed at joining the EU, which is the largest economic partner of Russia. From this point of view, our only interest in the Balkans – peace, stability and cooperation”.
