Russia rules out force in Kosovo

MOSCOW, Feb. 24 (UPI) -- The Russian envoy to NATO said Sunday his country would not attempt to solve the issue of Kosovo's independence with a show of force.

Russian envoy Dmitry Rogozin said despite its opposition of Kosovo's recently declared independence, Russia would never react with force, RIA Novosti reported.

"This (use of force) will never take place," Rogozin said.

Rogozin had been responding to numerous media reports regarding comments he made last Friday regarding the situation in Kosovo. He said some media sources misinterpreted his comments and made it appear he advocated the possible use of force to restore international law.

With those apparently erroneous media reports prompting immediate opposition from U.S. officials, Rogozin said Sunday such officials should use more reliable information sources in the future

RIA Novosti reported Rogozin also said Russia would defend its opposition of Kosovo's independence in the United Nations Security Council.