5 hours agoKosovo dialogue '% Serbia does not influence normalisation of relations between two countries
Periskopi(8 years ago)
(8 years ago)A study by the Kosovo Centre for Security Studies points out that the majority of citizens surveyed claim that talks between Kosovo and Serbia do not exercise influence in normalising relations, while they have assessed the agreement for Serb majority municipalities. The results are summed up in a special edition [...]
The results are summed up in a special edition of “The Barometry of Security”, in which the centre has summed up public opinion attitudes on foreign policy and talks with Serbia.
Donika Amy from this centre says such estimates are the result of political tensions between Kosovo and Serbia.
“The overwhelming majority of respondents, 58 percent of Albanian respondents and 61 percent of those Serbs, claimed the agreements reached in Brussels has no impact on normalising relations. Some 73 percent of respondents believe that the Association Agreement is very harmful and will have significant impact on the internal functioning of Kosovo. It is imperative to mention that a very limited percentage of Serbian respondents, about six percent, believe that association will have a negative impact on Kosovo”, she said.
The report also highlights differences in the opinions of respondents regarding the benefits of parties from the talks.
“Around 48 per cent of Albanian respondents believe Serbia is profiting more than Kosovo, primarily referring to the prospect of membership Serbia on European Union, which heads integration process in The EU. On the other hand, about 29 per cent of Serbian respondents believe Kosovo is benefiting more than Serbia”, said Mrs. Emini.
According to Ms. Emini, 90 per cent of Kosovo Albanian citizens continue to count Serbia as one of the biggest external threats to Kosovo security.
Report Highlights That the United States America seen as very friendly towards Kosovo and as one of the largest strategic allies and partners Kosovo. Meanwhile, Russia's approach to Kosovo is considered very hostile.
According to the report, 93.6 per cent of respondents believe that Kosovo should participate in The European Union.
The European Commission announced during the week the enlargement strategy for the Western Balkan countries that opens the doors to the region's integration. Serbia, along with Montenegro, is seen as the first to benefit from enlargement, but ahead of membership Serbia, which opposes Kosovo's independence, must reach comprehensive and binding agreements with Kosovo on normalising relations. / VoA
