16/04/2008 (Agence Europe) - Vladimir Putin's departure from the presidency of the Russian Federation and the swearing in of his successor, Dmitri Medvedev, foreseen for 7 May, will not have an impact on relations with the EU, said Russian ambassador to the EU Vladimir Chizhov. Russia's European policy will be continued by the new president in a concern for “continuity”, Mr Chizhov told the press on 15 April. On the subject of Kosovo, Mr Chizhov says that the EU has made a “big mistake” by deciding to deploy its civil police mission (EULEX). Russia could accept an international civil mission in Kosovo but only if it has the endorsement of the UN Security Council and of Serbia. “Without such an agreement, the EULEX mission is unlawful”, Mr Chizhov said, adding that the EU will find it difficult to deploy its mission throughout Kosovo territory especially in the north. (H.B.)