Thaci-Mogherini: Serbia unfairly conditioning dialogue

President Thaci has complained to Federica Moghrin about conditioning Serbia for launching dialogue, taking the tax on its products as the pretext.

Despite Moghrin's understanding, Thaci said her message was clear. The “Dialogue must continue and both sides must refrain from unilateral actions that prevent its”, Moghrini said.

Thaci's full status:

We all agree that dialogue is the only way to solve problems between Kosovo and Serbia. That is why Kosovo has always been constructive and has not left the dialogue. Kosovo's current experience with negotiations is positive, starting with Rambouille, Vienna, but Brussels as well. The existing dialogue on normalisation mediated by the European Union has indeed lasted too long, but now we have a moment that should not be lost to completion. Dialogue has always been unconditional by any party. This has been and still has to remain the guiding principle. Therefore, it is completely unacceptable that Serbia has conditioned its continuation, using the introduction of the tax on its products as the pretext. Just to complain against this destructive approach of Serbia, today I spoke over the phone with EU High Representative Federica Moghrini. In this case, I expressed our concern over Serbia's unreasonable conditions, which enable the continuation of dialogue. But, in spite of understanding on its part, the message was clear: “Dialog must continue and both sides must refrain from unilateral actions that prevent its” continuation. Therefore, despite what may seem unfair, we must again be pragmatic and respect the advice of the EU and the US. The EU and US stance is clear and leaves no room for free performances. We must immediately remove the pretext Serbia is using for blocking dialogue. This action demonstrates our commitment to peaceful agreements and, furthermore, preserves and strengthens our alliance with the EU, NATO and especially the United States. HTH