Palmer's message to Kosovo and Serbia: Use the historic chance of reaching agreement

He has recalled American President Donald Trump's message, which has said negotiators should use the historical “account to reach agreement, writes media in Belgrade.

During an interview with the April issue of “Card”, published by Belgrade in English, Palmer urged both sides to avoid steps that make compromise difficult.

He reiterated that the US is not part of the negotiations, but added that it strongly supports dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina mediated by the European Union and that normalisation of relations is essential to their European aspirations.

Kosovo and Serbia must reach implementable, stable agreements and cause instability in no country or region. We will seriously consider any agreement that meets these”, Palmer said.

Palmer has reiterated that the US will neither ask what the solution should look like, and that the process and the agreement itself must stem from both sides and that only thus can be applicable forever in Kosovo and Serbia.

We encourage both sides to fully guide the process, lower negative rhetoric and work together constructively on the deal. Serbia and Kosovo are interconnected, neither side will be able to move forward without agreement for sweeping normalisation”, he was quoted as saying.

Palmer has reiterated that the US views Serbia and Kosovo as two sovereign states that must make decisions in their best interests. “The US remains committed to Kosovo's independence and sovereignty and partnership with Kosovo and Serbia, where our goals are harmonised”, is expressed.

“The US is convinced that the interests of Kosovo and Serbia will best be realised with the bilateral agreement leading to the overall normalisation of relations focused on mutual recognition”, media quoted Palmer as broadcasting Koha.net.

“We do not take sides nor offer ready solutions. The EU is a mediator in dialogue and we are willing to help in this direction”, he said, recalling the words written by President Trump that it would be regrets to issue this unique chance for peace, security and economic growth.

The two sides would benefit from the agreement, while the two countries would lose much if they fail to reach agreement. The frozen conflict would undermine the common goal of the stable, secure and prosperous Western Balkans”, he has said.

Asked to comment on the fact that Pristina is refusing to remove the tax on goods from Serbia even after numerous US demands, Palmer has said both Belgrade and Pristina should avoid steps that make compromise difficult. “We are convinced that these surf are counterproductive. Neither side should strive for tactical success at the expense of the strategic goal. Without both sides about the negotiating table dialogue cannot progress and no country will be able to move forward on the European road”, Palmer has said.

Palmer has added that “is the time of the end for Serbia and Kosovo to take steps to build confidence in the negotiator process and work together for the best future of both countries and the region's”. It is now important that Kosovo and Serbia avoid provocations, reduce tensions and ease rhetoric and co-operate in measures that promote security and peace for residents of both countries”.

Asked how the agreement between Belgrade and Pristina is to be reached by the end of the year, Palmer has replied that more and more is being understood that the deadline for resolving conflict from the past has passed beyond the reach of the better future.

The “People of Serbia and Kosovo and the wider Balkan region deserve the same stable and peaceful future as Germany, France, Portugal, or which of the” countries, Palmer has said.

His visit to Albania has been announced for next week.