In an interview for Deutsche Welle in Albanian, Kosovo’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Hashim Thaci said he was hopeful that the last round of talks in Brussels was characterized by a dynamic debate on a number of issues important for normalization of relations between Kosovo and Serbia. “We discussed and made progress with regards to the establishment of the association of Serb-majority municipalities and full integration of Serbs in Kosovo institutions. This association will be in accordance to the Constitution of the Republic of Kosovo, Brussels Agreement signed in 2013 for normalization of Kosovo-Serbia relations and also in full accordance to the Kosovo legislation on self-governance of municipalities”, said Thaci. He stressed that the association will have no legislative or executive powers. “It will be registered in Kosovo and will function in accordance to standards permitted by Kosovo constitution and laws”, said Thaci.

He also said that there was progress in the last meeting with Belgrade delegation on the issue of telecommunication and energy but that certain technical matters are yet to be settled. “I believe that next Monday, at the highest level meeting, these joint efforts will be finalized”, Thaci is quoted. Thaci said the telephone code for Kosovo is a done deal and that talks are underway with third countries to see if they can assist in resolving the situation. “We are particularly discussing with Austria and several other countries. Serbia has not a say in this matter. This is a decision of Kosovo institutions in cooperation with European Union institutions”.