Serbia had the chance to sign the EU-facilitated basic agreement and Ohrid agreement at the Tirana-hosted Berlin Process summit, but they refused, according to Kosovo‘s Prime Minister Albin Kurti.
The agreement and its annexes were verbally agreed on during an EU-backed dialogue to normalise relations between the two countries. Serbian President Aleksander Vucic, however, declined to sign the documents despite Kosovo’s interest in doing so.
Vucic did not attend the summit, instead visiting China and sending Prime Minister Ana Brnabic to meet with EU and regional leaders.
Addressing the media after the day’s events, Kurti said, “We have an agreement with Serbia, dated February 27, which is based on mutual recognition and must be implemented.”
He added, “Even today, I asked the Serbian Prime Minister to sign the basic agreement and the Ohrid annexe. I am for them to be implemented now that President Vučić is busy in China meeting with the Eastern superpowers, but she was still uninterested. “
Serbia has continually said it supports and is willing to take part in the dialogue process, insisting on the implementation of various agreements, but it refuses to sign on the dotted line, which would pave the way for further normalisation and ultimate, de facto recognition of Kosovo’s sovereignty.
As for measures to be taken against Serbia following the 24 September terrorist attack in north Kosovo, the EU was steadfast in its line.
Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said it is necessary to have a full investigation, and only then will a decision on Serbia be made.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz added that the attack on Kosovo police is something they cannot accept.
“We condemn the attack on the Kosovo police forces. We will not accept it, and it is clear that the EU countries and Germany do not accept such a thing. We demand intensive investigations by the Kosovo authorities and the cooperation of the Serbian authorities for these investigations”, said Scholz.
(Alice Taylor | Euractiv.com)
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Source: euractiv.com
