December 17, 2007 (LPAC)--A Russian expert who just returned from high-level talks in Moscow reports that there are two redlines for Russia. Those are one, an attack on Iran and two, a declaration of independence on the part of Kosovo. Russia, which is fully committed to preventing both of these developments, today called for the creation of a ``new road map'' to resolve the international crisis brought on by Kosovo's intention to declare its independence from Serbia. On Dec. 7th, mediators reported that four months of talks had failed to reach any agreement, with neither side willing to compromise. Russia, plus EU members Cyprus, Greece, Slovakia, and Romania, oppose recognition of Kosovo's independence. On December 14, EU leaders said that the talks had been exhausted and the status quo was untenable, but only stated that settlement of the issue was necessary--no particulars. At present Kosovo is expected to declare independence sometime next year.

Today, a Russian Foreign Ministry statement said that talks should continue, ``to take into account the reasonable interests of the sides.'' A Security Council discussion on Kosovo is scheduled to take place in two days. Proposals to send an 1,800-man police force to Kosovo would be illegal, Interfax warned, without a new UN resolution. The Ministry also warned that ``there are behind the scenes maneuvers...which are aimed at making [the UN] legitimize the next illegal steps. We are certain that no one will give in to blackmail...The situation is fraught and risks sliding toward an uncontrollable crisis.''