French President Emmanuel Macron plans to appoint a special envoy for the Western Balkans, who would have an active role in resolving the Kosovo issue, Belgrade-based Blic daily reports today.
According to unofficial findings, President Macron has informed Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic about the plan during his visit to Serbia. The daily further continues Macron intents to actively engage in this region.
“France wants to take over a crucial role in resolving the issues between Belgrade and Pristina. Given that due to numerous obligations Macron can not on a daily basis deal with untying the Kosovo knot, he plans in the coming period to find a trusted person who would be responsible for this part of Europe. It would be a French envoy for the Western Balkans,” Blic quoted its unnamed diplomatic source. The source also said with this Macron would reinforce his influence in the region.
According to Blic stronger role of France in Europe, and mediation in the Belgrade-Pristina dialogue would suit Serbia. Not much because of Macron’s love towards Serbia given that he is a rational politician, but because of his bad relations with Kosovo Albanians, respectively with Pristina leadership.
During his visit to Belgrade Macron mentioned the possibility of organizing a meeting between Belgrade and Pristina authorities, with participation of German Chancellor Angela Merkel. The Blic said since the withdrawal of Angela Merkel gets more certain Macron does not want to exclude her from the process, she was part of it since beginning and very interested in it. That is why, Belgrade and Pristina should sit at the table already at the beginning of September, the source said.
Belgrade and Pristina view this meeting differently. While Belgrade expects Pristina to revoke decision on 100 percent tariffs on goods from Serbia and then continue the dialogue, Kosovo Prime Minister Ramush Haradinaj thinks Macron’s engagement could return Serbia to the negotiations without tariffs being revoked.
