US calls on Russia to repudiate NATO envoy comment

By JERUSALEM POST STAFF
A senior US official on Friday called on Russia to repudiate a suggestion one of its officials that it may need to use military force to earn respect after Western governments recognized Kosovo over its objections. The third-ranking official in the US State Department, Nicholas Burns, called the comments by Dmitry Rogozin Friday "highly irresponsible." Burns, undersecretary of state for political affairs, also criticized the Russian government's strong language condemning the recognition this week of Kosovo's independence by the United States and some European countries. "We strongly advise Russia to be more responsible in its public comments toward Kosovo," Burns said, responding to questions in an online written discussion. "Russia is isolated this week - very few countries are supporting its position."