German FM Maas: Recognition one of the elements of Kosovo-Serbia Dialogue, compromise is needed

English

Gazeta Express

22/04/2021 18:11

German Foreign Minister, Heiko Maas, said recognition of Kosovo from Serbia will be one of the elements of the Dialogue and told parties that compromises are needed to reach a final solution.

“Of course, recognition of Kosovo will be one of the elements of a solution. It is normal to have compromises in dialogue on normalization,” Maas said during his official visit to Pristina on Thursday.  

German Minister Maas during a joint press conference with Kosovo President Vjosa Osmani said redrawing borders in Balkans “belongs to the past” and Germany opposes such ideas. Maas said that the change of borders idea is dangerous and unrealistic.

“I want to emphasize that ideas on drawing lines in maps we consider as unrealistic and very dangerous,” Maas said.

German Minister said that the EU should fulfil its promises and wave visas for Kosovo citizens. “I know that visa liberalization is important to citizens, Germany’s position is clear that Kosovo has fulfilled visa liberalization criteria and visas should be waved. The EU should keep its promise given to Kosovo and during Germany’s EU Presidency it was priority, and we will remain engage that visa liberalization to be implemented as soon as possible,” he said.

Maas said that Germany supports Kosovo-Serbia Dialogue facilitated by the EU Special Representative, Miroslav Lajcak. “Mrs. President one of the obstacles for the regional development is bilateral relations between Kosovo and Serbia, and I have emphasized unreserved support for the dialogue on normalization between Kosovo and Serbia, facilitated by the EU. I have heard about topics which are important for people in Kosovo, and I will forward these to Lajcak. The new Government has an ambitious program on fighting organized crime and corruption which are in accordance with the expectations of citizens of Kosovo. I assure you that Germany is beside you,” Maas said.

Kosovo President Osmani said that Dialogue between Kosovo and Serbia needs a “reset” and Pristina will not “enter adventures on changing borders.” Osmani said that Kosovo institutions are reviewing all agreements reached in the dialogue with Serbia and she expects the dialogue to be concluded with mutual recognition. /GazetaExpress/