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The President of Serbia, Aleksandar Vuçi., Said that “we have never heard from the countries of the European Union that mutual recognition is required as a goal of the dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina”, but that he understands that this is also changing.
“No one has ever talked about mutual recognition, except the Americans who adopted that doctrine exactly three years ago.”Vucic said after meeting in Belgrade with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz.
Scholz kicked off his tour of the Western Balkans on June 10, initially visiting Kosovo, where he said an agreement between Kosovo and Serbia should resolve the issue of recognizing Kosovo.
Vucic said things were changing in line with what was happening “in some other parts of Europe”.
“If you think you should threaten us because we are trying to maintain the order of the United Nations or because we want to reach a compromise solution, we have nothing against it.”said Vuçiiç.
He added that Serbia has never refused or abandoned dialogue and is ready to discuss compromise solutions.
“Do not be angry that our attitude towards Kosovo is different from yours. “As much as you love the territorial integrity of Ukraine, the Serbs love the territorial integrity of Serbia.”said Vuçiiç.
Meanwhile, the German Chancellor, Olaf Scholz, stressed in Belgrade that Germany’s position on the Kosovo issue is clear and known for years and added that now it is necessary for “everyone in the process to make efforts to make progress.”
“I hope we will receive a report on this progress. “Step by step, both sides must contribute to it and are responsible for not blocking anything, not postponing meetings and taking a series of small steps that will lead to the ultimate goal.”he said.
Scholz expects Serbia to impose sanctions on Russia
The German leader said he expects candidate countries for membership in the European Union to join the bloc in sanctions against Russia over its occupation of Ukraine.
“It is important that as many countries as possible join the sanctions, because it is an instrument that helps Ukraine. “Sanctions are very effective, much more effective after the sanctions imposed after the annexation of Crimea in 2014,” said Scholz.
“The sixth package of EU sanctions against Russia will not disappear only after the war, but it is a condition for improving the situation so that Russia accepts the fact that it can not dictate peace, but must negotiate and agree. “with Ukraine for an agreement that will protect the integrity of Ukraine,” added the German leader.
Scholz is staying in Belgrade after meeting with the Prime Minister of Kosovo, Albin Kurti, in Pristina a few hours ago.
Scholz in Pristina: Final agreement would contribute to regional stability
In the joint press conference with the Prime Minister of Kosovo, Albin Kurti, Scholz said that the dialogue requires a constructive attitude, adding that a final agreement would contribute to the stability of the Western Balkans region.
“It is clear that the agreement must finally resolve the issue of recognition of Kosovo, because it is unimaginable that two countries, which do not know each other, become members of the EU,” said Scholz.
The German Chancellor said that at a time when the Russian occupation of Ukraine is continuing, resolving the issue of Kosovo and Serbia becomes even more important.
“It is important for Kosovo that the EU-mediated dialogue between Kosovo and Serbia be moved forward. “In times like this, the value of security and freedom becomes clearer to us. It is an even greater and more important reason for Kosovo and Serbia to find a political solution through an inclusive and lasting agreement that contributes to regional stability.” , tha Scholz.
“Dialogue is the way that opens Kosovo to a further European perspective. A constructive attitude in this dialogue is in the interest of all citizens in Kosovo. A political agreement between the two countries is an important condition for investments, for jobs and thus for the perspective of young people in Kosovo. “he added.
The dialogue between Kosovo and Serbia started in 2011 and the process aims to normalize relations between the two countries. Kosovo wants the final agreement to include mutual recognition, while Serbia wants a compromise solution.
Meanwhile, when asked about the visa liberalization process for Kosovo if they have done anything to convince skeptical countries, Chancellor Scholz said:
“We are committed to visa liberalization coming as soon as possible, as the conditions are met and we talk about this with our partners so that they too are convinced as we are convinced.”
Common market, high priority for Germany
Scholz said the German government has prioritized assistance to the Western Balkan countries to move closer to the European Union. This was said to be done through the Berlin Process, which Germany launched in 2014.
“I want to revive it this year, together with our partners, in the framework of the Berlin Process, and in the autumn I will convene a conference in Berlin. “The region must make progress in terms of creating a common regional market and the four important agreements for the free movement of people, for the recognition of professional diplomas must be concluded quickly,” he stressed.
The Prime Minister of Kosovo, Albin Kurti, said that the Berlin Process will accelerate the reforms and will bring the six Balkan states closer to the European bloc.
Asked about Germany’s position on the regional initiative “Open Balkans” and how much this initiative could damage the agreements within the Berlin Process, Scholz said that the common market is a high priority for Germany, an issue that needs to be improved.
“Everyone wants to join the EU and there are rules of freedom of movement there anyway. “Anyone who wants to join the EU must respect this,” said the German leader.
Northern Macedonia, Serbia and Albania are part of the “Open Balkans” initiative. Kosovo opposes it, while Montenegro and representatives of Bosnia and Herzegovina have expressed a desire to join the initiative.
Scholz praises Kosovo for its stance on the war in Ukraine
Scholz also said that they talked with Prime Minister Kurti about Kosovo’s clear position regarding the Russian attacks in Ukraine.
“The fight against Russian aggression requires a clear stance and a firm response where Mr. Kurti and the Government of Kosovo, through the support of all measures and sanctions, have shown that Kosovo, as a reliable partner, stands on our side and on the side of the European and international community.“, He stressed.
In this context, he was asked about the position of Serbia, the only country in the region that has not imposed sanctions on Russia, despite repeated calls from the bloc to do so. The German Chancellor said that all countries aiming at the EU should harmonize their positions with the bloc.
“It is also part of having a common policy towards other countries. This includes the regime of sanctions that the EU has imposed on Russia and this must be accepted by a country that intends to join. “he said.
The Prime Minister of Kosovo, Albin Kurti, requested the assistance of Germany for the country’s membership in the European Union, but also in the NATO Partnership for Peace Program.
“We have applied for membership in the Council of Europe. “This year we also plan to apply for the status of candidate country for membership in the European Union and we ask for everyone’s support for this”, said Kurti.
Kurti also said he was not opposed to Ukraine – a country facing Russian occupation – gaining candidate status, but demanded that the Western Balkans not be left out of EU enlargement either.
“The European Union is our destiny, Europe is our continent and we want a European Kosovo, a European Balkans. “So, a European Balkans without other orientations and formulations for the Balkans”, he said.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s visit to Kosovo is part of his Balkan tour.
Scholz in Kosovo also visited German troops serving within KFOR.
The focus of the trip is the prospect of the Western Balkans joining the EU, as well as Germany’s contribution to improving regional co-operation.
The Prime Minister of Kosovo, Albin Kurti, was in Germany on May 4 for an official visit at the invitation of the German Chancellor, Olaf Scholz.
This was Prime Minister Kurti’s first meeting with Chancellor Scholz. In a joint press conference after a meeting between the two leaders without the presence of the media, Scholz stressed that open issues between Kosovo and Serbia should be resolved step by step with the idea of culminating in regional peace and stability.
Among other things, Scholz stressed the importance of cooperation and the creation of a common regional market within the Berlin Process.
After visiting Kosovo and Serbia, Scholz on Saturday visits Northern Macedonia and Bulgaria, as part of his tour of the Western Balkans.REL
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