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European Council

As far as Kosovo is concerned, the violence that is happening now is most regrettable. I hope that the withdrawal of some of the UN forces can be avoided. It is very important to recognise that the policy of supervised independence in Kosovo means that there is a role for all minorities in that country. I am pleased that a large number of countries have now recognised the new Kosovo. Serbia is guaranteed a European future if, of course, it continues to observe democratic rights, which it is doing. I understand its frustrations about what has happened in Kosovo, but it is important that it recognises its responsibilities to the rest of Europe. The hon. Gentleman knows perfectly well the difficulties in our relationship with Russia that have arisen from what happened in London, where we had an assassination, and, at the same time, as a result of the treatment of the British Council, but we want good relations with Russia. We support a partnership agreement between the European Union and Russia, and we will continue to pursue these objectives.