Tadic stays flexible on Kosovo

BELGRADE, Serbia, July 16 (UPI) -- Serbian President Boris Tadic says he will leave it to the Foreign Ministry when to return the country's ambassadors to nations that have recognized Kosovo.

"Whatever happens, I'll respect the Foreign Ministry's proposal as far as that matter's concerned," Tadic told the weekly Vreme Wednesday.

Kosovo broke off from Serbia in February, declaring itself an independent state. More than 40 nations, including the United States, France and Britain, have recognized Kosovo's independence.

Tadic also said he will pursue the government's current policy on Kosovo. He said the upcoming United Nations General Assembly session would be important to Serbia as it defends its national integrity while developing its relations with other European nations.

Tadic said he did not want to see Serbia's policy on Kosovo become "rigid" and would work to find "practical solutions" for the situation.

Regarding the Kosovo Serb assembly in Kosovska Mitrovica, Tadic said election results showed "its legitimacy is unquestionable." The problem, he said, "lies in its legality, the fact that that body is not in line with the law."

"They cannot pursue a policy separate to that of the state, but they can defend the interests of the people that voted for them," he said.