The EP rapporteur for Serbia welcomed the initiative to launch an internal dialogue on Kosovo and added that Serbia’s constructive approach is highly appreciated in Brussels, KIM radio reported McAllister’s statement to the daily newspapers Blic.
“Yes, I welcome the initiative of President Aleksandar Vučić to launch a domestic dialogue on this issue,” David McAllister told daily Blic.
He pointed out that a visible and sustainable improvement of relations with Pristina is a very important precondition in the negotiating framework of Serbia’s accession to the European Union.
“Therefore, Serbia’s constructive approach in this respect is highly appreciated in Brussels,” McAllister emphasized and expressed the hope that this process will gradually lead to the normalization of relations between Belgrade and Pristina that people from both sides of the administrative line will benefit from it and that it will bring peace and stability to region.
Asked by daily Blic how much is possible to achieve good relations with Pristina, if we have in mind that Kosovo Prime Minister Ramush Haradinaj is charged with war crimes, McAllister said that the EU supports and facilitates the current dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina.
“Sustainable normalization of relations will be achieved with the mutual consent of the two sides,” he added.
Asked whether Kosovo’s place was in UNESCO and INTERPOL, McAllister pointed out that his country, Germany is one of the 23 EU member states that have recognized Kosovo.
“Recognition of sovereignty of the state remains the exclusive decision of each country, but I understand why it is crucial for Kosovo to gain support on the path to integration into international organizations,” McAllister said.
