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The Government of the Republic of Serbia

In the service of citizens

Belgrade ready to begin constructive talks with Pristina

Belgrade/New York, 12 November 2010

Minister of Foreign Affairs Vuk Jeremic said in New York tonight that Serbia wants to start dialogue with Pristina as soon as possible, adding that the EU can have an important role in the talks.

Vuk Jeremic and Ban Ki-moon

Author: Tanjug

Jeremic stressed at a session of the UN Security Council, where the quarterly report by UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon on Kosovo-Metohija was presented, that attention at the beginning of the talks should be focused on the less problematic issues, so that after these issues are successfully resolved discussion on more serious topics could begin.

For us, this dialogue means negotiation and readiness to be open to compromise, the Minister reiterated and emphasised the need to overcome prejudice and pacify heated scenarios.

He maintained that fair and balanced dialogue could be a catalyst for those who want to build bridges and begin reconciliation, adding that such a process could enhance the stability of the Western Balkans’ European future.

Serbia will not recognise Kosovo's unilaterally proclaimed independence, either explicitly or implicitly, and such position is also included in the Serbian Constitution, specified the Minister.

On behalf of Serbia, Jeremic expressed gratitude to the significant majority of UN members that have not recognised the unilaterally proclaimed independence of Kosovo, adding that the UN remains an indispensable factor in our southern province.

We believe it is crucial that all parties in the field, together with the UN Security Council, confirm support to UNMIK as a strong pillar of peace and stability, stated the Minister.

Jeremic expressed his deep concern over the fact that the Albanian authorities in the province are opposed to such a role for the UN, which is affirmed in the latest report of the UN Secretary General, warning that a continuation of this policy may result in an even greater isolation of the province.

He also voiced his hope that Pristina will accept the constructive approach offered by UNMIK and endorsed by the UN Security Council.

The latest report of the UN Secretary General states that over the last three months only 233 Serbs have returned to Kosovo-Metohija, Jeremic outlined, recalling that since June 1999, more than 205,000 Serbs have been banished from the province.

During the enthronement of Serbian Patriarch Irinej in Pec, the Patriarch called for reconciliation, Jeremic remarked, adding that those who threw stones at buses transporting Orthodox Christians returning from this important event cast a sad shadow on the Patriarch’s words.

He also recalled that the authorities in Pristina are trying to deploy the Kosovo Police Service in the north of the province without any agreement with EULEX, which the majority of people living in these parts see as a provocation and a call for violence.

Jeremic also underlined that the upcoming election in the province will not be in line with the UN Security Council Resolution 1244 and will not be monitored by the OSCE, or affirmed by the UN.

Under such circumstances, the Serbian government could not call on the Serbian population and advise them to vote at the election, the Minister concluded.