China Friday called for continued negotiations to find a compromise solution to the issue of the status of Kosovo, the breakaway province of Serbia which declared independence in February.

China has all along believed that the ultimate solution to the question of Kosovo's status should be found through negotiations between the two sides by reaching a resolution acceptable to both, Chinese delegate La Yifan told a debate on Kosovo at the United Nations Security Council.

He said China supports efforts to find a compromise on the Kosovo issue through more negotiations.

Despite changes that have actually taken place on the ground in Kosovo, La said, Security Council Resolution 1244, adopted nine years ago, remains the legal basis for resolving the Kosovo issue.

He said China attaches great importance to UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon's proposal on restructuring the world body's presence in Kosovo and that Ban should continue to maintain close contacts with relevant parties to make the restructuring plan more reliable and more viable, with an eye on adequately resolving the Kosovo issue.

Last week, Ban unveiled plans to restructure the UN mission in Kosovo (UNMIK), saying that the EU will "gradually assume increasing operational responsibilities in the areas of international policing, justice and customs throughout Kosovo."

La expressed China's hope that all parties would examine relevant issues from broader and longer-term perspectives and refrain from any statements or actions that could lead to tension or harm peace and stability in Kosovo and the region.

(Xinhua News Agency June 21, 2008)