About a year ago, at one of the first meetings between Ivica Dačić and Hashim Thaçi, a decision was brought to introduce liaison officers. Their task is to assist in implementation of agreements reached in the course of Brussels agreement.
Liaison officers were formally introduced on 17 June, while Belgrade and Pristina did not yet agree over their status. Pristina insisted that they sent to Belgrade a representative at the level of an ambassador, while Belgrade insisted that it is about lower officials without a diplomatic status. EU didn’t interfere in that quarrel, hence it sheltered them in its premises in Pristina and Belgrade.
“Most of the problems are settled either through communication or in Brussels. Some things are addressed by myself, I talk to EU representatives, Eulex…where we settle some of technical issues deriving from the dialogue, supply with medicines and even arrangements with regards to taking over the remains of deceased,” said Dejan Pavićević, Belgrade’s liaison officer.
Following his appointment Dejan Pavićević lives at three addresses – Belgrade, Pristina and Brussels, taking into account that he is the member of Serbian negotiation team. “There is a good cooperation with all from the very beginning. We are faced with obstacles, particularly when it comes to Minister Vulin’s visits,” said Pavićević.
Pristina’s liaison officer Valdet Sadiku didn’t want to give any statements. Valdet Sadiku is the second liaison officer appointed by Pristina, after its first officer Lulzim Peci didn’t manage to even move into the office. Peci was expeditiously replaced following his statement, which was not liked by Thaçi, that full normalization of relations with Belgrade will take place after Serbia recognizes independence of Kosovo.
