Biden: Kosovo-Serbia agreement must include mutual recognition, preserve sovereignty

US presidential candidate Joe Biden has said the agreement between Kosovo and Serbia should include mutual recognition, but maintaining the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the two states.

Beden, who is a democratic candidate for president, has sent a statement to the Albanian-American newspaper, “Illyria” in New York. According to him, the decision to resume dialogue is a vital step for the region.

“I have been an early and vocal supporter of peace and reconciliation in Southeast Europe. The decision by Kosovo Prime Minister Avdullah Hoti and Serbia's president, Aleksandar Vuciq, to resume dialogue on normalising relations between the two countries is a vital step forward in this critical region. A comprehensive agreement, which brings mutual recognition, preserves the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the two countries, as well as reinforces their democratic institutions, is essential for Kosovo and Serbia to move forward”, Biden has written for “Illyria”.

He estimates that the agreement would empower the security of the two countries, push ahead the aspirations for EU membership and other institutions.

For such an agreement, according to Beden, interAtlantic co-operation is required.

History teaches us that when the United States and Europe lead together, we can end conflicts and pave the way for new opportunities for peace and prosperity, in Southeast Europe and beyond. This partnership has never been more necessary than today and requires that we work together towards our common goal. It requires American leadership and partnership. However, the Trump administration failed to co-ordinate with European Union envoys, who have been mediating dialogue between the two countries for nearly a decade when it organised the meeting at the White House of Kosovo and Serbia leaders last month. The meeting was finally canceled, but the message to our partners was clear and strong. The United States must work together with our European partners and turn its back on them. This is our best hope of ensuring a sustainable solution that would pave the way for a more peaceful, more prosperous and European future for both countries”, Biden estimates.

He has encouraged leaders of both states to enter into talks with the spirit of compromise and reconciliation. The sides, according to him, will have the full support of the American people.