PRISHTINA, Oct 5 /ATA/ – The EU Special Representative for the Kosovo-Serbia Dialogue and other Western Balkan regional issues, Miroslav Lajčák, has renewed call for swift implementation of a stalled agreement as part of the EU-mediated Kosovo-Serbia negotiations, saying normalization of the ties between the two countries remains a top priority for the region.
Speaking at the 2BS forum in Budva, Montenegro, the Slovak diplomat noted that Kosovo-Serbia relations are the region’s biggest strategic challenge with repercussions that could hinder both regional cooperation and European integration.
He recalled the fact that both countries reached a normalisation deal 18 months ago, but no obvious progress has been made on its implementation since then.
“We are seeking Kosovo government efforts to enforce the rule of law in northern Kosovo. Everyone supports the rule of law, but Kosovo’s actions have triggered tensions and have sparked opposition from global stakeholders and disappointment within local communities,” Lajčák noted.
“Unfortunately, the way it has been implemented has led to more tension and frustration,” he said, referring to the closure of Serbian parallel institutions in northern Kosovo.
Lajčák emphasised that escalating confrontation benefits no one. “This serves neither the citizens, Kosovo, Serbia, nor the region,” he remarked.
During the forum, Lajčák also addressed the recent armed attack in Banjska, northern Kosovo, stressing that the European Union expects those responsible to be held accountable.
/REL/u.sh/
