Moscow, 27 October (RFE/RL) - Russian President Vladimir Putin said today Russia will soon resume gas supplies to Yugoslavia, suspended earlier this year over unpaid debts. Putin met today in Moscow with Yugoslav President Vojislav Kostunica for talks on bilateral relations and international issues. Following the meeting, Putin said that Russia will continue to develop relations with Yugoslavia in all spheres.
"Russia has always supported Yugoslavia, in the times when the Yugoslav people felt more or less comfortable as well as in the most difficult times of their history. In the future, our intention is to continue to develop the relationship between our two states, in all areas."
Kostunica said the positions of the two sides "coincided" on a number of issues.
In their joint statement, Putin backed Kostunica's stand that Kosovo should remain part of Yugoslavia. The two presidents also called for Yugoslavia to resume its place in international bodies. Kostunica said he was sending a letter to the United Nations asking for Belgrade to be allowed to retake its UN seat.
"Russia has always supported Yugoslavia, in the times when the Yugoslav people felt more or less comfortable as well as in the most difficult times of their history. In the future, our intention is to continue to develop the relationship between our two states, in all areas."
Kostunica said the positions of the two sides "coincided" on a number of issues.
In their joint statement, Putin backed Kostunica's stand that Kosovo should remain part of Yugoslavia. The two presidents also called for Yugoslavia to resume its place in international bodies. Kostunica said he was sending a letter to the United Nations asking for Belgrade to be allowed to retake its UN seat.