Kostalancik: We can have conference on the Kosovo- Serbia

So says Free Europe Radio interview, David Kostalancik, director of the Service for Central and South Europe at the American State Department.

He emphasises that the two American officials will work together to resolve the issue of restarting dialogue, on which the European integration process for Kosovo and Serbia depends.

However, it does not rule out the possibility of Washington hosting a conference next year, with the aim of finalising a solution.

Radio Free Europe: Are you surprised at US President Donald Trump's decision to appoint Mr. Greenle as Special Representative for the Kosovo-Serbia dialogue, just a month after the State Department made a decision on the appointment of Matthew? Palmer as the Special Representative for the Western Balkans?

David Kostelic: No, I think it shows attention and long-term support for dialogue, by the United States, so that it can produce results, both for Serbia and for Kosovo. Both countries are friends and partners of the United States, and the fact that we have a president's envoy and another State Department who, on this issue, spend their time and attention, we think is a good thing for the process in general, so that he can finally produce results.

What did Yerenelli say in Belgrade and Pristina?

Radio Free Europe: In the media and public, Mr. Greenell's recent visit to Pristina and Belgrade has been closed, we can say, with a veil of secrecy. I would say that it has become a mystery. No one knows what Mr. Greenell told his colleagues in Pristina and Belgrade. Can you give us some details?

David Kostelic: Ambassador (Grenelli) talks, as is the case with Mr. Palmer, have been organised in diplomatic trust. But I can assure you that Ambassador Green's message was that the United States, and as President Trump's envoy, are trying to help and facilitate dialogue, then to ensure that both countries have our attention, help, and support. But I think that the details of the negotiations will be understood over time, when they have yielded results.

Radio Free Europe: In Serbia, but even wider, the idea of a kind of peace conference is cited, which could be organised by Washington next year. Is that possible?

David Kostelic: It's possible. Such an opportunity was mentioned by President Donald Trump in the letter he sent to leaders of both countries earlier this year. This is an opportunity, but for now, the most important thing is to start dialogue, and both countries progress on the issues that stand between them.

Hopefully on tax removal

Radio Free Europe: What is your assessment of the current situation when it comes to dialogue between Kosovo and Serbia? In what positions are both sides, currently?

David Kostelic: The United States of America places great importance on continuing dialogue between Serbia and Kosovo. The fact that weeks ago elections were held in Kosovo means that we all expect the Government of Kosovo to be formed, to clarify its position on engagement in dialogue with Serbia. We are in touch with those political parties and their representatives, who will probably form the next Government in Kosovo, while we are doing so, hopefully Kosovo will be willing to sit at the table soon, lift the tariffs for goods from Serbia, and start a dialogue with Serbia again.

Radio Free Europe: At this moment, we can say there are positive and negative signals in terms of unlocking dialogue. On the one hand, there is a willingness on the part of Vetevendosje leader Albin Kurti, who is expected to be Kosovo's next prime minister, to lift taxes on goods from Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina. On the other hand, however, Kurti is fully opposed to discussing changing borders between Serbia and Kosovo. That is Serbian President Aleksandar Vuciq's main idea. What can we expect?

David Kostelic: I think that the fundamental and most important thing is the restoration of dialogue and I think it's important if Mr. Kurti wants to become Kosovo's new prime minister for him and others who will be part of the ruling coalition to create a unique position and position for what is happening.

We, too, think it would be extremely important that the tariffs for goods from Serbia be removed, as the first step leading to the resumption of negotiations. But, when the tax is removed, it is up to Serbia and Kosovo to pass through all the points of the agenda and reach an agreement between themselves. The US is ready, both countries' friends and partners, to help and support the process, but it is up to both sides to decide what the agreement will look like.

Radio Free Europe: In Serbia, but even wider, the idea of a kind of peace conference is cited, which could be organised by Washington next year. Is that possible?

David Kostelic: It's possible. Such an opportunity was mentioned by President Donald Trump in the letter he sent to leaders of both countries earlier this year. This is an opportunity, but for now, the most important thing is to start dialogue, and both countries progress on the issues that stand between them.

Hopefully on tax removal

Radio Free Europe: What is your assessment of the current situation when it comes to dialogue between Kosovo and Serbia? In what positions are both sides, currently?

David Kostelic: The United States of America places great importance on continuing dialogue between Serbia and Kosovo. The fact that weeks ago elections were held in Kosovo means that we all expect the Government of Kosovo to be formed, to clarify its position on engagement in dialogue with Serbia. We are in touch with those political parties and their representatives, who will probably form the next Government in Kosovo, while we are doing so, hopefully Kosovo will be willing to sit at the table soon, lift the tariffs for goods from Serbia, and start a dialogue with Serbia again.

Radio Free Europe: At this moment, we can say there are positive and negative signals in terms of unlocking dialogue. On the one hand, there is a willingness on the part of Vetevendosje leader Albin Kurti, who is expected to be Kosovo's next prime minister, to lift taxes on goods from Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina. On the other hand, however, Kurti is fully opposed to discussing changing borders between Serbia and Kosovo. That is Serbian President Aleksandar Vuciq's main idea. What can we expect?

David Kostelic: I think that the fundamental and most important thing is the restoration of dialogue and I think it's important if Mr. Kurti wants to become Kosovo's new prime minister for him and others who will be part of the ruling coalition to create a unique position and position for what is happening.

We, too, think it would be extremely important that the tariffs for goods from Serbia be removed, as the first step leading to the resumption of negotiations. But, when the tax is removed, it is up to Serbia and Kosovo to pass through all the points of the agenda and reach an agreement between themselves. The US is ready, both countries' friends and partners, to help and support the process, but it is up to both sides to decide what the agreement will look like.

Radio Free Europe: Do you expect that in the first half of 2020, Serbia and Kosovo will face a clear and direct US initiative for a final solution to Kosovo-Serbia relations. I have to remember a statement by Serbian Foreign Minister Ivica Dacic, perhaps 10 months ago, who said Serbia would do nothing because it is waiting for a kind of initiative from Washington.

David Kostelic: It is a fact that the US has named Ambassador (Richard) Grenelli as the presidential Special Envoy, who devotes time and attention to activities related to dialogue and negotiations between Serbia and Kosovo. The US, too, has named Matthew Palmer as special representatives of the State Department for the Western Balkans, which is most focused on the entire situation in the Western Balkans. Ambassador Green offers his assistance and support to both sides to create the conditions for the resumption of dialogue.

Again, the fact that you have the special attention of two experienced American professionals who are focused on this challenge gives everyone a unique opportunity, a chance to advance.

And as I said earlier, our view is that parties should not miss this opportunity, and that they should benefit from the attention of experienced professionals to this challenge. The first step is the beginning of the process, so the beginning of dialogue, and then both sides start exchanging thoughts. The US will be there to help and support them on their way to reaching an agreement.