Could the meeting between French and Serbian presidents mark a new beginning in the relations between two countries, Serbian national broadcaster RTS wonders today. It also said how realistic Macron’s wish is to reach a compromise on the Kosovo issue in the next couple of months?
Serbian Foreign Affairs Minister Ivica Dacic opined the fact that the French President Emmanuel Macron pointed out the need for a compromise between Belgrade and Pristina represents a major change in the policy of France. He also termed the visit as historic, given that President Macron visited Belgrade after 18 years.
“It is a fact Macron had very emotional speech and, in some way, it contributed to him wining the hearts of people in Belgrade and citizens of Serbia. It a rare occurance that politicians from the West evoke emotions in our people,” Dacic said. Commenting of Serbian-French relations Dacic said they were extremely close than became cold.
“In general, there is that emotion between France and Serbia. We needed it also because of our national integrity, dignity, it is an indicator of a closeness with a major world power, apart from Russia. To have a friend in the West as well,” Dacic said.
He added, as Macron said, Belgrade and Paris cannot reverse the time, but it is needed to reset the relations. “We tried with other states to reset relations, and with the US we have made certain progress. Remember how our people were thrilled when Donald Trump won elections (…)”.
According to Dacic if one looks at what Macron has said these are obligatory messages. “If you show that Serbia is in your heart, that we will work further together, these are messages that oblige the one who said it. That is why I think this is a major step ahead. Still, the friendship should be nourished,” Dacic noted.
Dacic further said Macron did not recall fact that France recognized independence of Kosovo. He spoke about sovereignty of Serbia and he spoke about compromise, in fact he emphasised the need for compromise.
“This is a major change in the policy of France. This is something we have been talking all the time, what the US administration has moved towards too, although President Trump never spoke about it. Macron said it is necessary to find a compromise between stances of Belgrade and Pristina, very precisely. He said he would personally engage in it. This is a major thing,” Dacic explained.
Dacic expressed reservations that a compromise would be reached in the next couple of months. “Macron wants to be committed to it, but it does not mean other stakeholders perceive it with strong approval. There is a geo-strategic game in the West, it is not only about Russia and China, but also about Washington, Berlin and Brussels. I think that after long period, this was one extremely successful visit,” Dacic elaborated.
