Serbian Ambassador to UNESCO, Darko Tanaskovic assessed that withdrawal of Pristina’s candidacy for the membership in this organization is not unexpected and represents a diplomatic success of Serbia, media reported.

“It is true that their decision was made based on pragmatic assessment, but this pragmatism relates to the fact they would not win a sufficient number of votes,” Tanaskovic said, commenting on the statement from Pristina that they have not submitted the request as “pragmatic postponement of membership in UNESCO and Interpol was based on full co-ordination with USA and Quint countries”.

“The fact is the request was not submitted. In diplomatic cycles within UNESCO, regardless if it was about countries that have recognized Kosovo or not, the hasty intention to compensate Interpol failure with a swift UNESCO “victory,” was not received with sympathies, because this is a very serious international organization,” Tanaskovic said.

That is why comments such as “the membership to UNESCO is not the same as buying a ticket to go to the cinema,” could be heard.

Tanaskovic also added, the question remains if such Kosovo with the nature of its identity, as a para-state, could be a topic on the UNESCO Executive Board agenda, given the current mood in this organization, Serbian media reported.