“New Kosovo negotiations possible”

BELGRADE -- President of the Foreign Ministry’s Foreign Policy Council, Sonja Liht, said that new negotiations on the modality of Kosovo’s status” are possible. Sonja Liht (Danas) She told daily Danas that this is seen not only in the statements coming from Belgrade, but also international officials, as well as some analysts in Kosovo. Asked to comment on the increasing signals from the West that direct talks between Belgrade and Priština are necessary, Liht said “Belgrade officials expect direct negotiations with Priština officials, directly after the consultative opinion of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) is given.” “Even if these talks are not a direct condition for increasing the speed of European integration, they are necessary for decreasing tensions, solving many problems related to the normal lives of Serbs and all other Kosovo residents, but would also send a clear message that we are ready to solve difficult problems in the Balkans through dialogue,” Liht said. She said that the talks must be held within the framework of searching for a status solution of compromise, adding that no one can be an absolute winner or loser in this solution. “This would leave a strong impression on our European partners, just as the first meetings between Presidents Tadić and Josipović did,” Liht said. “In this way, one big mistake could be avoided from turning into a precedent that will constantly lead to conflicts around the world,” she said. She said that contact between Belgrade and Priština is unavoidable for solving technical questions and attending regional forums. “The EU does not have a united stance on the question. That does not mean that there are any EU countries against strengthening the European perspective of Kosovo. All 27 member-states supported the EULEX mission in Kosovo from the start, and all EU member-states are interested in solving the practical problems between Belgrade and Priština,” she said. Liht commented the announcements that Serbian citizens would need a passport to enter Kosovo as something that is not in accordance with UN Security Council Resolution 1244, adding that the resolution obligates all UN members as long as it is in power. She said that respecting laws is the only foundation for further democratic development in Kosovo. “I am convinced that a way must be found to avoid violence,” Liht said, adding that EULEX and the domestic government are now most responsible for keeping the peace.