BELGRADE -- Zeljko Sertic has said that the Serbian government will not allow the government of Kosovo to, with any act, violate the principle of ownership over property.

"The question of property cannot be resolved by a unilateral attitude of an individual. Serbia has a way to respond to such attempts," the Serbian economy minister told reporters at the government HQ on Monday.

According to him, "discussion is the basis of all relations between Belgrade and Pristina," while the issue of property of the companies in Kosovo "will be discussed as soon as possible."

"If we want to be part of the progressive world and respect international principles, then the question of ownership and property is among the fundamental ones," said Sertic.

He added that Brussels - i.e., the EU sponsored Kosovo talks - is the place to discuss the assets of all enterprises in Kosovo, including the mining complex Trepca.