"Our people in Kosovo and Metohija must remain in their homes, in their territory, and in their Serbia," Vojislav Kostunica said. Kosovo is expected to unilaterally declare its independence from Serbia on Sunday or Monday. Most Western powers are expected to quickly recognize Kosovo's sovereignty, despite strong opposition from Serbia and its ally Russia.
"Our people in Kosovo and Metohija must remain in their homes, in their territory, and in their Serbia," Vojislav Kostunica said.
"For the government of Serbia every one of our people in Kosovo is an equal citizen of Serbia with full rights, and it is our responsibility to do everything possible to provide normal living conditions for our people in the province," he said.
"No one other than Serbia has the right to the territory of Kosovo and Metohija. This is a right that no political force can take away from Serbia," the premier said.
Kosovo President Fatmir Sejdiu said last Friday that Kosovo was close to declaring independence from Serbia, and that its government was closely cooperating with international organizations to alleviate any problems that may arise.
Kosovo has been a UN protectorate since the NATO bombing of the former Yugoslavia ended a conflict between Albanian and Serb forces in 1999. Over 200,000 Serbians left Kosovo since 1999 and some 100,000 are still living in the province.
According to Serbian media, among UN Security Council members, Russia, China, Vietnam, Indonesia and South Africa oppose independence for Kosovo. The U.S., Britain, France, Italy, Belgium and Panama have been calling for the province's independence.
Of the remaining Security Council members, Libya, Croatia, Costa Rica and Burkina Faso have not yet formulated their positions.
