Ashton: The dialogue between Kosovo and Serbia has never been easy

2023-09-15 19:59:44, Kosova & Bota CNA

The former high representative of the European Union, Catherine Ashton, said on Friday that the dialogue between Kosovo and Serbia has never been an easy process, especially in the implementation of the agreements reached.

Mrs. Ashton made these comments in Prishtina within the conference organized by the Balkan Group for the drafting of policies related to the dialogue process between Kosovo and Serbia, a process which she had led from 2011 to 2014.

"Whenever you do something big and bold it takes real leadership, real determination, being prepared to move and manage the situation, to compromise in the best sense of the way, it's not about giving, but creating things that bring you together", she said, calling on the leaders of Kosovo and Serbia to continuously engage in dialogue.

Vucic: Kurti does not want an agreement for the Association
September 15, 19:55

“It's important to see the dialogue as something that flows in a continuum that you own. It's not up to me, or Ambassador Reeker, it's up to you and Serbia, you are the ones who create the dialogue," she said.

Ms Ashton said she hoped that in the coming months and years the dialogue would move forward, although she said it would not be easy.

The former US Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs, Philip Reeker, said that ten years ago, Kosovo and Serbia were able to put aside their differences and reach an agreement. He criticized the current situation where, according to him, topics of previously reached agreements have returned again.

“And it's remarkable in the way that you can come back 10 years later and see that they're still talking about license plates? I mean what does that do to educate the child or create a better life for someone. These were steps, these were opportunities to show and show people that there was a way forward, instead of placing these things as obstacles to further progress," he said.

DASH, disappointed with the lack of progress in the dialogue
September 15, 07:52

Mr. Reeker said that the United States has supported Kosovo in every process and as friends they should not surprise each other with unexpected actions.

"And I think that's very important, that when you're in an honest relationship, you certainly don't surprise your friend with moves that are unexpected and that keeps your friend out. "There are so many things going on in the world and if you don't feel the seriousness of the purpose, it will be a distraction and you will move on to other things," he said.

Ms. Ashton and Mr. Reeker call on Kosovo and Serbia to continue dialogue to resolve all disagreements between them.

Facing each other / Kurti meets with Vucic in Brussels
September 14, 12:43

The Prime Minister of Kosovo, Albin Kurti, and the President of Serbia, Aleksandar Vucic, disagreed on Thursday about the steps to implement the agreement for the normalization of relations between the two sides.

The leaders of both countries met in Brussels amid high tensions and calls from Western diplomats to avoid actions that could trigger a renewal of violence in the region./ VOA