In an emergency session on Monday, the Serbian parliament adopted a resolution staring that Serbia will never accept the secession of Kosovo.

"Serbia will never, explicitly or implicitly, recognize the unilaterally proclaimed independence of Kosovo," the text of the motion said.

"The parliament considers it necessary to - through peaceful negotiations - reach a lasting, sustainable and mutually accepted solution for Kosovo, in accordance with Serbia's constitution."

The motion passed easily, with 192 votes for and 26 against.

The resolution follows last week's ruling by the International Court of Justice, which stated that Kosovo violated no international law by declaring independence from Serbia in 2008.

Seeking a solution

During a 12-hour session, Serbian President Boris Tadic told parliament that Belgrade would never give up Kosovo and that the region remained its southern province. He said the resolution was an attempt to “seek to offer a solution and not inflame the problem.”

Tadic insisted that Serbia, which is hoping to join EU, "must the have best possible relations with big powers, because any other policy would lead Serbia directly into a disaster, and its citizens straight into poverty."

"It's not the time for great patriotism; it is time for great deeds," he said.

Tadic said Serbia would submit the resolution to the United Nations General Assembly in September, in an attempt to prevent further international recognition of Kosovo and to reclaim the territory.

To date, 69 countries, including the United States and most members of the European Union, recognize Kosovo's independence.

Author: Martin Kuebler (AFP/AP/dpa)
Editor: Chuck Penfold