Zakharova misinforms about Resolution 1244 and Kosovo independence – Kremlin's political narrative

spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia,Maria Zakharova, has misinformed RT Balkans by claiming that "the West is sabotaging UN Security Council Resolution 1244"Security Council”, that the recognition of Kosovo's independence is a “blow to international law” and that Western countries are allegedly violating UN decisions by supporting Kosovo's security structures.

Analysis of her statements shows that it is a matter of manipulation of facts and exclusion of the key international context.

What facts is Zakharova manipulating?

Manipulation around Resolution 1244

Zakharova claims that the West is "sabotaging" Resolution 1244 and that the mass recognition of Kosovo constitutes a violation of this resolution.

However, the text of Resolution 1244 establishes an interim international administration, provides for a political process for determining the final status and does not contain a ban on declaring independence, nor a ban on other states recognizing Kosovo.

"The recognition of independence in 2008 is the first and main blow to Resolution 1244"

Zakharova describes Kosovo's independence as a "flagrant violation of international law," but leaves out a key fact:

The International Court of Justice (ICJ) in 2010, in its advisory opinion, concluded that the Kosovo Declaration of Independence did not violate international law or Resolution 1244.

The ICJ has concluded that the Kosovo Declaration of Independence:

The court clearly emphasized that the declaration itself was not contrary to international law.

The claim of a “ban on the arming” of Kosovo

Zakharova claims that the West is violating Resolution 1244 by supporting Kosovo's security forces.

The Kosovo Security Force (KSF) has been transformed in coordination with NATO, while KFOR bears ultimate responsibility for safety.

Additional context that Zakharova overlooks

Zakharova speaks of "collective violations of international law", but overlooks the fact that over 100 UN member states have recognized Kosovo as an independent state, including most EU countries and the US.e.

Also, the European Union leads the dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina precisely on the basis of the premise that the status issue is resolved through political agreements, and not through a unilateral interpretation of Resolution 1244:

cONcluSiON

Maria Zakharova's statement represents an example of selective interpretation of international law and manipulation of facts.

The allegations presented in the interview for RT Balkan can be evaluated as manipulation of facts through selective exclusion of key legal and international decisions.

/The Geopost/