“No perfect solution for Kosovo”

Source: Tanjug

BERLIN -- Belgrade will not recognize Kosovo’s independence but “together we can find a solution and a special model,” Serbian Deputy PM Božidar Đelić has said.

Božidar Đelić (Tanjug, file)

He pointed out that the issue of administrative checkpoints in the north of the province could be solved in near future, but added that Europe’s help was necessary in that department.

“Of course, but we need Europe for that, we can work through the dialogue. It is a shame that Priština sent special police to the administrative line in July. That was not helpful. We can solve everything through the dialogue, together with Germany and the United Nations. There is no other way for peace and future in the Balkans,” he told Deutsche Radio.

The deputy PM said that a new model for solving the Kosovo problem was necessary.

“There is no perfect model but we can find a special model for Kosovo and Serbia. I am sure we can find it,” he stressed.

When asked whether this meant that Serbia would not recognize Kosovo with its current borders, Đelić said that it certainly would not.

“Of course it won’t. It is impossible to accept the 2008 independence but together we can find a solution,” he explained.

He stressed that German Chancellor Angela Merkel’s visit to Belgrade was very important.

“The visit is very important to us, to Serbia and the Balkans,” the Serbian deputy prime minister said.

He said that Belgrade expected Merkel’s support and “not only wishes”, because as he said, Serbia can give a great contribution to both Germany and Europe.

“Together with Germany and Europe we can work on security, economy and culture. It is especially important for Merkel to come and directly see things we have already done,” Đelić concluded.