Belgrade and Pristina negotiating teams to be led by the presidents in the future, if both sides agree, Večernje Novosti learns in Brussels.
The Cabinet of the High Representative, Federica Mogherini so far several times has repeated that it depends from the participants of the dialogue who will sit in their teams, when it comes to foreign advisors or persons with whom the other party would not want to negotiate. The same applies and about changing the level of dialogue.
– The format of the dialogue is determined by the two sides – Spokesperson of the High Representative Maja Kocijancic is clear, answering the question of daily Večernje Novosti whether dialogue could be transferred to the presidential level.
Brussels insists that substantive issues are discussed at a high level, while “technical teams” prepare the details, and the two sides are clearly left to determine whether a high political level would imply presidents or prime ministers.
As the concentration of power in Belgrade and Pristina “moved” to the presidential level, it is very likely that Aleksandar Vučić and Hashim Thaçi will be sitting at the Brussels table opposite of each other. After all, during the last two rounds of the dialogue in January and early February this year, the then Prime Ministers (Vučić – Mustafa) were already amplified by the presence of both Presidents (Nikolić – Thaçi).
According to Pristina media, reports Večernje Novosti, EU officials have already told local politicians that the dialogue will be held at the presidential level in the future, while in Belgrade there is no confirmation that such a signal from Brussels has arrived to Serbian officials.
Thaçi recently said that the dialogue would get a presidential format, but, according to him, the focus of these talks should be to reach an agreement that would lead to good neighbourly relations. Such a topic for Belgrade is unacceptable.
New round without dates
The date for the next round of high-level dialogue has not yet been determined – Kocijancic pointed out to the daily. In Brussels are waiting for the formation of Kosovo government and continuation of the dialogue as soon as possible.
But as this process moves very slowly, it can mean several weeks if not months of delay in the talks between Belgrade and Pristina.
