German Government: Kosovo-Serbia dialogue should resume under the aegis of EU’s High Representative

Gazeta Express

04/12/2019 15:44

Germany, France and the United States are closely following political situation in Kosovo after 6 October elections, considering that resumption of dialogue on normalisation of relations with Serbia depends from creation of new institutions in Pristina.

The Federal Government of Germany, wants Pristina-Belgrade dialogue resume as soon as possible under the aegis of the newly appointed EU High Representative, Josep Borrell, and his team. This was confirmed to Gazeta Express by a spokesperson of the German Government, emphasising that Berlin strongly supports normalisation of relations between Pristina and Belgrade.

“The Federal Government strongly supports the EU’s efforts to promote the normalisation of relations between Serbia and Kosovo.  The expectation is – in the interest of both countries – that this dialogue will resume as soon as possible under the aegis of the newly appointed High Representative and his team,” the German Government’s spokesperson told Gazeta Express.

German Government headed by Chancellor Angela Merkel asks revocation of the tax, considering that the tariffs stand in the way of resuming the dialogue between Kosovo and Serbia. “Our view has not been changed: The tariffs violate the Central European Free Trade Agreement and stand in the way of resuming the dialogue for normalisation, which is why Germany, like the EU, supports the abolition of the punitive tariffs,” a spokesperson of the German Government said.

When asked about reciprocity measures as a replacement of tax as announced by the winners of Kosovo election – the Vetevendosje and Democratic League of Kosovo (LDK), the German Government, says that they cannot comment on this issue adding that “they will study whatever measures the new government will take.” /Gazeta Express/