Q:
A:
Normalisation of relations with Pristina requires concessions on both sides
Belgrade,
12 September 2012
Deputy Prime Minister for European Integration Suzana Grubjesic stressed today that normalising the relations with Pristina, which is a condition for setting the date for Serbia’s talks on EU membership, does not imply recognising the unilaterally declared independence of Kosovo.
In an interview for today’s issue of Politika daily, Grubjesic explained that normalisation is not a single event, but a process in which both sides will have to make certain concessions and compromises.
However, what normalisation most certainly does not include is the recognition of Kosovo’s independence by Serbia, the Deputy Prime Minister reiterated.
She recalled that the conditions we must fulfil have been known since the December summit of EU leaders and the conclusions of the European Council.
Grubjesic observed that Conclusion 52, which refers to Serbia, says that “all agreements reached in the technical dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina must be implemented and dialogue continued on the remaining issues of telecommunication and energy, along with the cooperation with EULEX and the respect of the principles of inclusive regional cooperation”.
Serbia proposed a political dialogue at the highest level in order to reach a fair, compromise and sustainable solution in the interest of all citizens and the establishment of lasting peace and stability in this part of Europe, she noted.
The conclusions of the European Council do not mention opening Serbia’s offices in Pristina or abolishing the Serbian court in Kosovska Mitrovica as conditions imposed on Serbia, Grubjesic highlighted.
I cannot say that there have been no such proposals, but as long as they are left out of official documents of the top EU bodies they remain nothing more than someone’s intention to further complicate or slow down Serbia’s European path, Grubjesic noted.
However, what normalisation most certainly does not include is the recognition of Kosovo’s independence by Serbia, the Deputy Prime Minister reiterated.
She recalled that the conditions we must fulfil have been known since the December summit of EU leaders and the conclusions of the European Council.
Grubjesic observed that Conclusion 52, which refers to Serbia, says that “all agreements reached in the technical dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina must be implemented and dialogue continued on the remaining issues of telecommunication and energy, along with the cooperation with EULEX and the respect of the principles of inclusive regional cooperation”.
Serbia proposed a political dialogue at the highest level in order to reach a fair, compromise and sustainable solution in the interest of all citizens and the establishment of lasting peace and stability in this part of Europe, she noted.
The conclusions of the European Council do not mention opening Serbia’s offices in Pristina or abolishing the Serbian court in Kosovska Mitrovica as conditions imposed on Serbia, Grubjesic highlighted.
I cannot say that there have been no such proposals, but as long as they are left out of official documents of the top EU bodies they remain nothing more than someone’s intention to further complicate or slow down Serbia’s European path, Grubjesic noted.
-
Belgrade, 29 October 2024State moves to minimise advertising for betting shops
-
Belgrade/Berlin, 28 January 2016Fences cannot stop migrations
-
Belgrade, 7 January 2016Serbia to experience dynamic economic growth in 2016
-
Belgrade, 31 December 2015Serbia will persevere on path of development, reforms
-
Belgrade, 30 December 2015Ground for Serbia’s progress set
-
Belgrade, 28 December 2015
Serbia ready for improvement of cooperation with Russia
-
Belgrade, 22 December 2015Serbia ready to open six more chapters next year
-
Belgrade, 21 December 2015Serbia to be part of EU by 2020
-
Belgrade, 20 December 2015Serbia ready for EU membership by 2019
-
Belgrade, 16 December 2015Chapter 35 not substitute for Belgrade-Pristina dialogue