The High Representative of the European Union (EU) for Foreign Relations and Security Policy Josep Borrell reiterated his call for de-escalation of tensions between Kosovo and Serbia, stating that otherwise the two countries’ path to EU membership would be in jeopardy.
According to a written statement from Borrell’s office, the High Representative met separately with Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic and Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti at the margin of the Peace Forum in Paris, France.
While discussing the critical issues in the relations between Kosovo and Serbia, the talks focused on maintaining peace and stability on the ground.
Borrell, accompanied by EU Special Representative Miroslav Lajcak, said that the parties should show their readiness to compromise and fulfill their Dialogue commitments.
Borrell emphasized the need to normalize relations between the two countries and stated that this is a key factor for the two countries to progress on the path to EU membership.
Underlining the importance of refraining from unilateral actions and provocative rhetoric, Borrell said, “Failure to fulfill obligations quickly and de-escalate tensions will have detrimental consequences, primarily on people in Kosovo and Serbia, for the European future of both sides and their credibility with European and international partners.” used the phrases.
The statement noted:
“Kosovo Serbs should immediately return to Kosovo institutions and resume their duties. Kosovo should align its actions on plates with past Dialogue agreements and initiate negotiations on the establishment of a Serb-majority union of municipalities without further delay. These obligations under the Dialogue remain valid and binding.”
“Recent developments put at risk years of hard work and achievements in the EU-facilitated dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina, and hinder security in the region and beyond,” Borrell’s office said in a previous statement. expressions were used.
KOSOVO-SERBIA TENSION
The Kosovo government, in line with the principle of reciprocity to Serbia at the end of July, regarding the “issuance of temporary declaration forms to those entering/exiting Kosovo with Serbian identity cards” and “conversion of license plates issued by Serbian authorities to Serbs in Kosovo to ‘RKS’ (Republic of Kosovo) plates”. announced that the decisions would come into effect.
Serbs in Kosovo reacted to this and closed the border crossings in the north of the country, and tensions increased in the country.
The Kosovo government decided to postpone the implementation, which caused the crisis, until 1 September, provided that all the barricades placed on the roads leading to the border gates with Serbia are removed.
Lastly, the Kosovo side stated that the re-registration process of license plates, which they described as “illegal”, was postponed to April 2023, that the owners of these vehicles would be warned first, then fined, and finally the test plates would be placed. (AA)