"Putin stressed that a solution must be based on clear and universal principles, which means that it has to stem from the principle of respect for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of existing states," Kostunica said, adding that Putin told him that "all else would lead to unnecessary conflict situations."
Kostunica told Putin that his statement that Russia recognised only universal solutions had brought about a change in how the world viewed the complex Kosovo issue.
Belgrade-based Beta news agency quoted a Kremlin statement as saying that the telephone conversation had taken place at Serbia's request, adding that Putin "reiterated Russia's principled position on the Kosovo problem" and that the conversation focused on bilateral cooperation, including such issues as energy and investment.