Petrich: Solution to Kosovo issue, no option should be rejected

Commenting on yesterday's meeting between Serbian President Aleksandar Vuciq and US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, Petrich said he had reached a conclusion based on talks he had with American officials in recent weeks.

According to him, Washington is now taking a more critical look at Pristina politics, especially on tariffs.

“Tarifat also weakens the idea of a regional free idea of CEFTA, and this unilateral move by Kosovo's prime minister affects the economic development of the region”, he said.

Petrich recalls that some time ago, US President Donald Trump sent a letter to the presidents in Belgrade and Pristina and offered US support, and believes that this is good, but at the same time, he regrets the risk of Brussels being expelled from the game over resolving the Kosovo issue.

Regarding speculation that the US could propose holding a conference to resolve the Kosovo issue, Petrich said it came with the idea a year ago, but that it should be led by the EU.

I thought there was an opportunity to organise a kind of European Dayton, probably in Brussels, with the aim of resolving this issue. Since almost all issues have been discussed in recent years, I thought it was possible, if there were political will from all involved, as well as Belgrade, Pristina and Brussels, as well as Washington, to find a solution”, he said.

Asked whether he believed Washington was open to discuss demarcation, Petrich recalled that changing borders has been rejected by Germany, but that he believes no option should be rejected.

I consider it important, if such a conference is organised, that no option be ruled out in advance. What will eventually be agreed on is a matter of negotiations and better arguments”, Petrich said.

He stresses that in any case, the solution should bring greater stability and ensure the development of the economy of the entire region.

Before that, he says, that in order for the dialogue to continue, tariffs must first be removed. He adds that he is not sure that if it comes to quick tax removal, there will be time to organise a conference to resolve the Kosovo issue before early elections to be held this autumn.

“In my opinion, a conference on resolving the Kosovo issue could be held at the beginning of next spring”, Petrich concluded.