Will the Kosovo agreement this year be Serbia? Thaci's Answer to Austrian Media

This is the full interview of President Thaci:

Kurier: Have you brought any innovation in terms of tariffs on Serbian products?

Hashim Thaci: Kosovo was obliged in one form or another to take such measures. We'll do our best not to make the dialogue difficult. But Serbia dares not set conditions for continuing dialogue. I hope the blockade will soon be over.

Kurier: Does this mean that Prime Minister Haradinaj will soon fully withdraw taxes?

Hashim Thaci: I hope, that soon there will be a solution to continue negotiations. For an agreement that would be good both for the Kosovar and Serb sides and accepted by the international community.

Kurier: If you have to bet, do you believe an agreement with Serbia can be reached this year?

Hashim Thaci: It will be very difficult, but not impossible. An agreement between Serbia and Kosovo is absolutely necessary. There should never again be war between Albanians and Serbs. Peace must prevail throughout the region. We want to reach a comprehensive agreement and not a temporary one.

Kurier: Would Kosovo accept any agreement, in which the Republic of Kosovo would not be accepted as an exclusive state by Serbia?

Hashim Thaci: An agreement without recognition of Kosovo as a state, without a seat in the UN, would make no sense. I believe and am working to ensure that the Republic of Kosovo has a seat in the UN and is recognised at a global level. The European Union (BE) and the Federica Moghrini lead this process of dialogue. We have great support from the United States, especially Donald Trump. Also an admission from Russia, if we have a comprehensive deal. This has been missing in the past. It's an appropriate moment at the international level. If a comprehensive deal is accepted by the EU, the US and accepted by Russia, this would mean global support.

Kurier: So you are sure that Russia will recognise Kosovo as a state, if Belgrade and Pristina agree to an agreement?

Hashim Thaci: After that agreement, Kosovo will soon have an embassy in Moscow.

Kurier: Can Donald Trump's letter (for Thaci and Vucicin) actually break the ice between Belgrade and Pristina?

Hashim Thaci: This is a supportive letter, learning a balance of interest for both sides. If we don't use this moment, it could lead to a deterioration of the situation. I have made it clear that the Republic of Kosovo will seize this opportunity. I see this in the sense of strategic goals and not of Kosovo daily politics.

Kurier: The idea of exchange of territories is still on the table?

Hashim Thaci: The agreement will include all areas -- people undiscovered, economic development, cultural heritage and other points. There will be no borders on ethnic lines. Both countries will remain multiethnic. The multiethnic and European spirit will prevail. We want open borders and free trade. Not classic boundaries as in the past. The agreement will advance economic development, ensure better prosperity, offer a better life and more international investments. The Republic of Kosovo is a new country that has a lot of potential, which has not been exploited well enough so far.

Kurier: Would open borders make the exchange of unnecessary territories unnecessary?

Hashim Thaci: I'm talking about open borders, not ethnic lines, that's a European model. I am convinced that a comprehensive agreement between Serbia and Kosovo will enable perfect co-operation in the region.

Kurier: Kosovars are still awaiting visa-free movement to the EU...

Hashim Thaci: This is really an injustice for Kosovo citizens. The Republic of Kosovo has fulfilled all the criteria, even more than others in the region. However, we have only one path: European integration. We're disappointed, but we're not leaving this road.

Kurier: The EU fears that many Kosovo youth want to go to Europe.

Hashim Thaci: The election campaign for EU elections has just begun. Some member states do not want to take risks, and this is actually an internal issue of EU member states. But the Republic of Kosovo is paying the price.