Two countries angered the EU: declaration as a threat
The EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell, made a statement to the press after his tripartite meeting with the Serbian President, Aleksandar Vucic, and the Prime Minister of Kosovo, Albin Kurti, within the framework of the Dialogue Belgrade-Pristina, mediated by the EU.
THERE WAS A REGRESSION
After stating that although a year has passed since the Ohrid Agreement, which provided for normalization between the parties, the obligations derived from the agreement have not been fulfilled, Borrell stated that, on the contrary, we have entered a period of escalating tension.
Josep Borrell: “Today, with Prime Minister Kurti and President Vucic, I tried to find forward-looking solutions based on the EU proposal. Unfortunately, after a rather long meeting, Prime Minister Kurti was not willing to move forward and start a credible process towards the establishment of the “Union of Serbian Municipalities”. Instead, he insisted on formalizing ‘de facto recognition’ as a first step.” he said.
“HE ACCEPTED OUR OFFER”
EU High Representative Borrell said: “I must say that President Vucic accepted the EU proposal on the implementation of the agreement. “He came with another offer, but finally accepted ours.” He shared his knowledge. Borrell continued:
“ACTIONS MUST BE TAKEN IMMEDIATELY”
“We tried hard, but unfortunately today it was not possible to eliminate the differences. I should also note that there has been no progress in reducing tensions in northern Kosovo. “Today we urge both parties to take immediate action in northern Kosovo to prevent further instability and ensure that new early local elections can be held immediately.”
RISK OF NEW VOLTAGE
Stating that “Kosovar Serbs are expected to act constructively and participate unconditionally in the electoral process,” Borrell emphasized that if there is no progress on the electoral issue, the implementation of the agreement will be delayed and the risk of new tensions will continue.
Josep Borrell said:
“I must remind you that for both Kosovo and Serbia, the path to Europe passes through dialogue. There is no other way. There is no other solution. Without normalization, a future in Europe will not be possible for either Kosovo or Serbia. As other regional partners move rapidly towards Europe, Kosovo and Serbia risk being left behind.
KOSOVO DECLARATION
The Prime Minister of Kosovo, Albin Kurti, at the meeting held in Brussels within the framework of the Belgrade-Pristina dialogue process, stated that Serbia does not accept the condition that the implementation of the agreement reached between the two countries begins first with the implementation of the Union of Serbian Municipalities.
KOSOVO-SERBIA RELATIONS
Kosovo Prime Minister Kurti and Serbian President Vucic reached an agreement that would normalize relations in Ohrid, North Macedonia, under EU mediation, on March 18.
Although the publicly announced 11-article agreement that will normalize relations between Kosovo and Serbia does not oblige Serbia to recognize Kosovo’s independence, it requires both countries to recognize each other’s official documents and symbols, including passports, diplomas and vehicle license plates. Kosovo is called on to establish a “Union of Serbian Municipalities” that will have self-governing rights in the settlements where the majority of Serbs in the country live.
The tension that broke out in northern Kosovo at the end of May caused the normalization process to be blocked.
The main reason why the two countries frequently clash is; It is expressed in Serbia’s view of Kosovo, which declared unilateral independence in 2008, as its own territory.
Within the framework of the Belgrade-Pristina Dialogue Process, launched in 2011 under EU mediation, efforts are being made to find a common path for the normalization of relations and, ultimately, for the two countries to recognize each other. (AA)