China calls for dialogue in resolving Kosovo issue

China has called on relevant parties to solve the Kosovo issue through dialogue and avoid any move to deteriorate the current situation in the region. Speaking to an open Security Council meeting on Kosovo, Chinese deputy permanent representative to the UN, Wang Min said the situation in northern Kosovo continues to be tense in recent times and the number of voluntary returnees of displaced persons has declined remarkably. "China expresses its concern in this regard," he said. He added that China has always maintained that mutually acceptable solution on the Kosovo issue should be sought within the framework of Security Council Resolution 1244 and on the basis of dialogue among various parties. Wang said that China hopes Belgrade and Pristina to continue and promote dialogue process."It is not only in the interest of the parties and the well- being of their people, but is also conducive to the peace and stability of the Balkan region and the whole Europe at large," he said. China supports the work of the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) in line with the mandate conferred upon it by the Security Council, and calls for a more positive and constructive role for the international presence in Kosovo in solving relevant problems, Wang added.