Beta news agency reported that the president had urged politicians to behave "showing more responsibility than they have so far, following the announcement of a unilateral declaration of independence of Kosovo."

"With their statements and rhetoric, politicians certainly should not cause situations in which the safety of our fellow Serbs in Kosovo could be jeopardized," Tadić said, as quoted in a news release issued by his office late on Tuesday.

Tadić called for peace, gravitas and restraint.

"I urge all parties to leave party promotions aside, so that in this crisis the state can act responsibly," he said.

The news release also quotes Tadić as saying that Serbia is a European and democratic country which threatens no one, as well as one defending its sovereignty and territorial integrity in a peaceful and dignified manner.

"Serbia belongs in Europe and our road is a European one. I will not abandon the fight for the interests of citizens and the struggle to preserve Kosovo. The state must be united and act responsibly when it comes to defending its integrity and sovereignty. Only in the EU can Serbia defend its Kosovo," Tadić said.

"Serbia is a European and democratic country which does not constitute a threat to anyone and which is defending its sovereignty and territorial integrity peacefully and with dignity," the statement added.

Tadić added that in his constant communications with the international community, he would use arguments to demonstrate Serbia's firm stand on the need to respect international law and to take all Kosovo-related decisions in the UN Security Council.