China calls on parties to seek lasting solution to Kosovo issue through dialogue

BEIJING, Aug. 1 (Xinhua) -- China has urged relevant parties to actively seek a lasting solution to the Kosovo issue via dialogue, and refrain from unilateral actions that may lead to tensions after Serbian official Igor Popovi?'s detention.

Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun made the remarks in response to a relevant query at a regular news briefing on Friday.

Popovi?, assistant director of Serbia's Office for Kosovo and Metohija, is being detained by the Kosovo side. The French foreign ministry has issued a statement demanding his immediate release.

China is following the news of Popovi?'s detention and noted the statements issued by the French foreign ministry and the European Union, Guo said, adding that China hopes for his safe release.

Guo reiterated China's respect for Serbia's sovereignty and territorial integrity, and the belief that the security and legitimate rights and interests of the Serbs in Kosovo should be safeguarded.

"We hope that parties will continue to engage in practical and constructive dialogue within the framework of relevant UN Security Council resolutions," he said. ■