Greek Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis reiterated here on Monday that the solution to the future status of Kosovo must be the result of substantive negotiations and not the product of imposition.

After meeting with his Serbian counterpart Vojislav Kostunica, who is on a two-day official visit to Greece, Karamanlis told reporters that any solution must be based on the universal principles of the UN Charter and Resolution 1244 and on the principles and criteria of the European Union.

Greece, he said, placed particular importance on the implementation of the criteria for Kosovo's future status, stressing that all the inhabitants of Kosovo must have the same rights.

He noted that respect of human rights and minority rights was a fundamental factor for stability in the region, as well as respect and protection of cultural heritage.

The Greek prime minister also reiterated his government's support for Serbia's European prospects.

On his part, Kostunica said that he had come to Greece to get approval and support for the stances of the Serbian Government which he presented to the United Nations Security Council last week.

Kostunica said he had met with "great understanding" for his positions from the Greek prime minister, adding that a resolution of the issue must be founded on the implementation and respect of the rules of International Law and the rights of the Serbs, the Albanians and other minority populations, as well as respect of the region's sovereignty.

"There is no solution that can be imposed. A solution can be found through substantive dialogue, and that is where there will be compromises and mutual give and take between the two sides," he said during their joint press conference.

Kostunica said he looked forward to Greece's support for his country's European course, noting that there existed "delicate matters" that had their roots in the Kosovo issue.

He stressed that Greece is the first European country he has visited following the recent start of negotiations for the reaching of a Stability and Association Agreement between Serbia-Montenegro and the European Union.

The Serbian prime minister was also received by Greek President Karolos Papoulias and Parliament President Anna Benaki-Psarouda, and held talks with opposition party leaders.

(Xinhua News Agency November 1, 2005)