The former chief negotiator in the technical dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina, Borislav Stefanovic, and a member of the Committee for European Integration in the Kosovo parliament Vjosa Osmani confronted attitudes today, in regards to the possible admission of Kosovo in UNESCO.
Stefanovic, in fact, believes that Kosovo should be a member of international organizations, but not UNESCO, because it will not be able to protect Serbian cultural heritage, while Osmani said there is no doubt that everyone in Kosovo believes that Kosovo should be a member of that organization.
At the meeting on the dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina “From the technical to the political dialogue,” Stefanovic stressed that the dialogue should continue, and that the two sides need to continue to develop relationships. On the other side Osmani said that full normalization of relations will happen only when Serbia recognizes Kosovo’s independence.
Kosovo’s membership in UNESCO would have a direct impact on improving standards in education and protection of cultural heritage, said Osmani. Blocking the implementation of those standards doesn’t bring benefit anyone, she said. Membership in this organization would have an impact on a better life of all citizens, such as membership in the World Health Organization would be useful for everyone in Kosovo.
Stefanovic, however, disputed the argument that Kosovo membership in UNESCO can improve the life of Serbs at the same time wondering who is arrested for the burning of Serbian churches and monasteries in Kosovo and Metohija. “If membership means that you want to change the narrative that’s fine, but do not expect that Serbs say ”that is really good for our life in Kosovo,” said Stefanovic.
Conference on dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina was organized by the Centre of contemporary politics and Konrad Adenauer Foundation in Belgrade.
