Serbia said today that while it strongly opposes the independence of Kosovo, it will not try to undermine the fragile economy of the ethnic Albanian region by imposing a trade embargo.
"It is in our vital interest that all of Kosovo's communities prosper - and prosper together in peace, security and reconciliation as neighbours in a progressive society of hope and forgiveness," Serbia's Foreign Minister Vuk Jeremic told the UN Security Council in New York.
"This is why Serbia does not intend to impose an embargo, and why we have a clear policy of not resorting to the force of arms," he said.
Prior to Pristina's declaration of independence Belgrade warned it would use all economic, political and diplomatic means at its disposal to prevent Kosovo from seceding.
Kosovo, a majority ethnic Albanian region, declared independence from Serbia last month with the backing of the United States, and most European Union states, including Ireland.
Russia has been a staunch ally of Serbia, blocking US attempts to pass a resolution that would open the door to Kosovo's secession.
