Serbia and Kosovo reach agreement to remove barrier to normalization of bilateral relations

“I can declare that Kosovo and Serbia have agreed on the implementation of the annex to the agreement. relationship normalization process “Between the two, between Kosovo and Serbia,” said Josep Borrell, the EU’s High Representative for Foreign Policy.

Borrell, both Kosovo and Serbia strategic goal EU membership and for this “Serbia and Kosovo need to normalize their relations”. “This agreement is an important step towards making it a reality. We will continue to work tirelessly until we reach a comprehensive agreement to normalize relations,” Borrell said.

The head of EU Diplomacy, that a “long and difficult” dialogue, but in “good faith”, resulting in Kosovo’s commitment to “immediately” implement Article 7 of the agreement on the implementation of a mechanism of self-government for the Kosovo Serb population. “And when I say right away, I mean it right away,” Borrell stressed.

Likewise, Pristina agrees to “immediately” implement the notification on missing persons. “I must admit We have raised this issue from the very beginning as a non-negotiable point.Borrell stressed that “several creative proposals were put forward in both the signing and substance” of the deal.

“As the dialogue is not only about Kosovo and Serbia, it is clear that the two sides will benefit significantly from this agreement”, “stability“, he argued. “In the current geopolitical context an important tool to keep the peace Stability and stability in the Western Balkans region,” he said.

Borrell meets with Serbian PresidentAleksandar Vucic, and with the Prime Minister of Kosovo, Albin Kurti, In the town of Ohrid in North Macedonia.

Vucic didn’t sign anything new

Vucic emphasized and underlined that despite the agreement, nothing new was signed. formation of political institutions For the representation of the Serb minority in northern Kosovo.

“I must say I am very pleased with it. There was talk of missing persons, donor conferences. “The plan needs to be expanded,” he said.

Vucic also explained that the Council of Europe will be responsible for assessing progress in implementing the agreement, and “constructive atmosphere” However, he pointed out that the negotiations will be on Monday, the day he will announce the details of the agreement reached to his compatriots.

“From Monday I will receive representatives of parliamentary groups. “We have serious work ahead of us in the coming months,” he said.

Belgrade and Pristina spent years of negotiations in Brussels with few results and Weak track record of implementing agreements already reached In the late 1990s it was crushed under the weight of the conflicts that resulted from the violent separation of Kosovo from Serbia.