Austrian diplomat: Kosovo recognition from Serbia, key US word

”Beden wanted to send the message once again with this letter that the United States is with countries that have already recognised Kosovo”, Petrich said.

Petrich said that “should be respected reality and that the end of dialogue on normalisation of relations, which is a key word, for the US means diplomatic recognition of Kosovo [from Serbia]”.

“This is a step further in language compared to the dictionary used by the EU as a mediator in dialog”, Petrich added,

“Belgrade believes that recognising Kosovo is not part of the normalisation process, while the position of the United States is different”, adds Petrich.

“The main question now is whether the EU, as mediator in dialogue, is willing to step forward. When Kosovo forms a negotiating team after the elections, it must proceed step by step. It will be a long road, a true marathon, and in that dialogue the positions of Pristina and Belgrade must be closed. It's the only pragmatic way before”, former EU envoy said in an interview REL in Serbian.

Petrich believes Kosovo's call will be a condition for Serbia's EU membership.

“Kosovo recognition is not an asset in itself. It will only make sense if economic relations between ordinary people and all others settle on a new basis. However, this will not really be realized in a predictable future. Movements are needed, dealing with the involvement of Balkan countries in European programmes. In the nature of the EU it is a process. The United States emphasises that they are focused on action, while the EU is in the process. In the end, both approaches are necessary, but until you see a final solution, a step-by-step approach is necessary”Petrich said.