US Could Send These Officials to Kosovo Dialogue Serbia, Date of End of Negotiations

A report dedicated to “implementing the Kosovo-Serbia” dialogue, written by the Director of the Programme for Peace Building and Rights Programme, David Phillips proposes “to define the negotiation topics and set a deadline of no more than two years”, the “B92” reported, the Periscope broadcast.

It also proposes “a more effective mediation of the international community, including a stronger role of the United States of America and the engagement of prominent international negotiators”.

“Beta” reported this Friday, citing Philips ' statement about the “The Voice of America”. He has proposed “a scenario where they all win”, where Kosovo's “recognition of independence would lead to normalisation of all bilateral issues and the integration of Serbia and Kosovo into Euro-Atlantic institutions”.

“If Serbia wants to join the EU, chapter 35 is clear as crystal, Belgrade will not make progress towards EU membership until it recognises Kosovo, which is the foundation for normalisation. Kosovo and Serbia must negotiate with Brussels on EU membership, and the two countries must enter the EU together, at the same time Serbian President Aleksandar Vuciq urged Serbs to face reality and deal with the Kosovo situation. Of course, it is difficult to negotiate about the recognition of Kosovo by Serbia, but that must happen, the only way ahead is for Serbia to recognise Kosovo -- that is the key to progress”, Phillips said.

The report stresses that the Kosovo government should take a cross-proportionate approach to the integration of Kosovo Serbs and ensure that their rights are protected and fully promoted”.

“Anyway, above all, the international community must do more. The EU has been a key player in mediation, and we recommend a stronger role for the United States of America. It is important that Washington be fully involved and that international mediators work in the solution”, he added.

Phillips also suggested changing the format of dialogue, “clearly define the negotiating topics and set the deadline for up to two years, as well as engage experienced international negotiators and autism”.

We propose an 18-month deadline, with the possibility of extending this deadline for another six months. Federica Moghrini can still play a ceremonial role, but an experienced negotiator is needed to take the lead role. We recommend that Wolfgang Schaeuble be that person and we also recommend that the US appoint a special envoy for dialogue and we believe that Condeleza Rice, who has experience in the Balkans and is highly respected, can work effectively with Shaw's team to conclude these” negotiations, Phillips said.

He estimated that <x0grim in Europe would be a clear incentive for Serbia and Kosovo to engage in implementing the” dialogue and when asked what would encourage the EU and the United States of America to increase their commitment, Phillips said that “Russia has already established a new front line in the Cold War with the West and is in the Western Balkans”.

“According to some claims, Russia has established an intelligence base in Nis, and is transferring sophisticated weapons to Serbia. The US wants to strengthen its partnership with Western Balkan countries, including Kosovo, as well as with Serbia. The United States of America has strategic interests in that part of the world, it can exercise its influence through a stronger role in Kosovo-Serbia dialogue. Only with US involvement, this process will move ahead of”, he added.

According to him, “Russia is not interested in the Serbian people, but is undermining Western interests in the Balkans”.

“Vladimir Putin speaks of Slavic unity, Orthodox unity (Christians), but in essence, Russia is not interested in the Serbian people at all. It only manipulates this issue in order to undermine Western influence and try to limit NATO's role in the Western Balkans”, he said, and, added: Serbia's “Citizens must understand that their future is with Europe and the West”.

“They can move ahead with Euro-Atlantic aspirations if they resolve disputes with Kosovo. Russia will not be there to help Serbia, only manipulate Serbs, citizens should understand this fact and move closer to the West”, Phillips said./Periscopi/