McAllister says Thaci and Vuciq took dialogue to a new level

The European Union (BE) has taken into account the ongoing debate on demarcation and changing borders as a possible solution for Kosovo, but at this point it is not actively involved.

So said in an interview for Radio Free Europe (RFE) David McAllister, European Parliament rapporteur for Serbia who is standing for a visit to Belgrade.

“As far as the debate over a possible exchange of territories, demarcation, we as the European Parliament have overwhelmingly adopted the stance and in having identical formations in my report on Serbia, as well as my colleague's (Igor) report on Kosovo we have taken into account this debate that any kind of agreement should be mutually regulated between both sides, that it should contribute to regional stability and that it should be in line with international law.

According to him, about the Kosovo tax issue on products originating from Serbia, the US and the EU have shown a clear stance, but that as he said, “in Pristina still does not get an answer, which we hope for”.

We were very clear. I will repeat this message when I go to Pristina and meet, among other things, with Prime Minister (Ramush) Haradinaj. What I have heard in Belgrade is that since these taxes do not withdraw, the Serbian side will not return to the negotiating table in Brussels.

The Eurodeput says the historic moment should be used because “President (Serbia, Aleksandar Vuciq) and President (Kosovo, Hashim) Thaci have taken the dialogue to a new level.”

McAllister along with six post-Europeans will visit Kosovo, where they will hold meetings with political leadership, MPs, opposition representatives and civil society

The purpose of the visit is to assess the political situation on the ground and assess Serbia and Kosovo's current relations with the EU, including mutually agreed reforms and EU-mediated dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina.

The visit is expected to address some of the topics highlighted in EP resolutions adopted in November 2018, as well as the latest developments in the region. /