Freedom New Zealand

Formal recognition of Kosovo as an independent state by the EU or NATO obligates Moscow to resort to 'brute force,' Russia's envoy to NATO says.

In a video link-up from Brussels Dmitry Rogozin said, "if the European Union works out a common position, or if NATO breaches its mandate in Kosovo, these organizations will be in conflict with the United Nations," Interfax news agency reported.

"We too will have to proceed from the view that in order to be respected we must use brute force, in other words armed force."

Russia, a permanent member of the UN Security Council, has been vehemently opposing Kosovo's independence, backing Serbia, and reflecting Moscow's close ties with the leadership in Belgrade.

Rogozin also cited unconfirmed reports that NATO troops were blocking the border between Kosovo and Serbia and not allowing Serb officials into Kosovo.

"This is not what we agreed. If this information is confirmed, then here in Brussels there will be some tough talking with our partners, and there could be quite a dramatic development in relations between Russia and NATO," RIA Novosti quoted Rogozin as saying.

The Russian envoy highlighted that 'under no circumstances' should NATO get involved in politics and that "It must remain neutral.''

So far, over a dozen nations have recognized Kosovo's declaration of independence from Serbia, including the United States, Britain, France and Germany, while Russia, China, Spain and others, have rejected the unilateral declaration.

MRD/PA/MRS/MMN