Serbian President Vucic: We are ready to compromise
Serbian President Vucic made a statement to journalists after the EU-Western Balkans Summit in Tirana.
Expressing his pleasure to attend the summit, Vucic said: “I am very pleased with the ‘open and honest’ talks we held today in Tirana regarding relations between the Western Balkans and the EU. We talked about the support of 165 million euros to Serbia until the end of the year and strategic issues in the energy sector”. he used the phrase.
“WE ARE READY TO RECONCILE”
Evaluating Belgrade-Pristina relations, Vucic stressed that his country will make efforts to continue negotiations with Pristina.
Vucic said: “We are clear. We said what our red lines are and what we will not accept. We want to talk, we’re ready to commit, and we’ll keep talking.” he said.
Stating that he regrets the events in northern Kosovo today, Vucic said:
“You keep wondering what day a new provocation will take place that could disturb stability and peace. At least based on the available data, it’s good to know that no one died, and I think it will stay that way. I don’t know what goes through the minds of those who want to create conflict and tension. We do not have an easy time ahead. We are with our people in Kosovo, but we will try to agree as much as possible to keep the peace.”
EXPLOSIONS IN KOSOVO
Explosions and sirens were reportedly heard in northern cities ahead of early local elections to be held on December 18 in 4 municipalities in northern Kosovo.
According to local media, explosions and sirens were heard in the northern municipalities, where work on early local elections began, after the Serbs withdrew from local institutions due to recent events regarding enrollment.
The sound of sirens was reportedly heard in Zveçan, and forces affiliated with the European Union (EU) Rule of Law Mission (EULEX) increased the presence of the Iberian bridge connecting the southern and northern sides of the city. from Mitrovica.
Officials from the Kosovo Central Election Commission (KQZ) were said to have gone to its offices in the north, accompanied by the Kosovo police, but were unable to enter there.
KOSOVO-SERBIAN TENSION
The Kosovo government, in line with the principle of reciprocity with Serbia at the end of July, on the issue of “Provision of temporary declaration forms for those entering/exiting Kosovo with Serbian identity documents” and “Conversion of license plates issued by Serbian authorities to Kosovo Serbs for ‘RKS’ (Republic of Kosovo) plates”. announced that the decisions would take effect.
Serbs in Kosovo reacted to this by closing border crossings in the north of the country, and tensions rose in the country.
The Kosovo government decided to postpone the execution, which caused the crisis, until 1 September, provided that all barricades placed on the roads leading to the border gates with Serbia are removed.
Finally, the Kosovar side affirmed that the process of re-registration of license plates, which they described as “illegal”, was postponed until April 2023, that the owners of these vehicles would first be warned, then they would be fined and, finally, they would be withdrawn. test plates. Be placed.
The parties reached an agreement on November 23, mediated by the EU, to de-escalate tensions and move towards the normalization of relations.
Serbia considers Kosovo, which unilaterally declared its independence in 2008, as its territory.
The Belgrade-Pristina Dialogue Process, launched in 2011 under the mediation of the EU, aims to normalize relations and ultimately mutual recognition between the two countries. (AA)