The EU calls again: Kosovo, Serbia make historic step

The EU has called for Kosovo and Serbia to make the historic step forward in normalising relations, referring to the Franco-German plan.

EU Foreign Affairs spokesman Peter Stano has confirmed that they have already received answers from Kosovo and Serbia for the Franco-German plan, and the same are studying, while calling for the two countries to seize this opportunity.

“We must overcome the permanent state of crisis and reduce tensions between Kosovo and Serbia, and are grateful for Germany and France's support for this proposal. We have already received answers from both sides and are studying them. We call on Kosovo and Serbia to seize this opportunity and take a historic step forward in normalising their relations, which is key to advancing their European path”, Stano has said.

A possible meeting between Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti and President Aleksandar Vuciq could happen this Thursday in Paris, as both have confirmed that they will travel to France and this meeting could be joined by French President Emmanuel Macron, so he has at least confirmed on Wednesday evening Prime Minister Kurti through a videotape saying he will go to the Peace Forum while warning the tributary meeting with Macroni's Vucciqi.

In addition to working and having dinner during this prestigious forum, there may be a three-way meeting with the president of Serbia, who has also been invited there. I will have my six-member team from Prime Minister”, Kurti said.

The head of the government now said he is ready for an agreement with Serbia, which has mutual recognition at the centre.

I'm ready because I'm prepared, and always interested, for dialogue on agreement, for full normalisation of relations between the Republic of Kosovo and Serbia, with mutual recognition at the centre. We have two proposals on the table: that's mine for the overall framework of the agreement presented at the August 18th 2022 meeting in Brussels, as well as the Franco-German proposal that has the support of the United States of America and the European Union, presented by emissars Jens Plötner and Emmanuel Bonne”, Kurti has declared.

Kosovo, hard to say no to the Franco-German plan

For Kosovo, it seems that the plan of Germany and France is acceptable, at least so it has said in a television interview Tuesday, Kosovo Parliament Speaker Glauk Konjufca, who said that “Kosovo has a problem with saying no to this plan”.

His “Basa is a sound basis for moving forward because there is Article 2 of this agreement that is the essence of this agreement. This plan is built on three principles -- equal rights between states, mutual sovereignty respect, and the right of the parties to self-rule” -- has been expressed by Konjufca.

If Serbia places its signature on this proposal, Konjufca says Serbia agrees that Kosovo is independent even though not in verbal grade. But for the latter Serbia must certainly undertake it, even 24 hours before entering the European Union, since it is the condition of the EU to accept Serbia into Union.

For Serbia, unacceptable plan

On the other hand, Serbian officials have publicly declared that France and Germany's plan is unacceptable to them. If they have not changed their stance so far, it was Serbia's Foreign Affairs Minister Ivica Dacic, who has said November 4th that the Franco-German plan in the dialogue between Kosovo and Serbia is unacceptable to Serbia.

Serbia's “Staying is clear, that plan starts from an unacceptable basis, from the fact that the issue of the political settlement is considered finished and that we should just accept, willingly or without, in a silent voice, the independence of Kosovo”, Daciqi had declared last week.

What does the accepted plan contain?

Media “Euactive” has published in English the contents of this proposal, which consists of 9 points.

Article 1

Kosovo and Serbia will develop normal, good neighbourly relations with each other based on equal rights.

Article 2

Kosovo and Serbia will be guided by their mutual aspirations for EU membership.

Article 3

In line with the SAA [the Stabilisation and Association Agreements] signed by both sides, Kosovo and Serbia will resolve any dispute between that time exclusively by peaceful means and refrain from the threat or use of force. They reaffirm invisibility now and in the future of the border that exists between them and take on full respect for each other's territorial integrity.

Article 4

Kosovo and Serbia continue with the assumption that neither of the two sides can represent the other in the international sphere nor act on its behalf.

Article 5

Kosovo and Serbia will promote peaceful relations in the Western Balkans and contribute to regional security and co-operation in Europe.

Article 6

Kosovo and Serbia continue with mutual respect for the jurisdiction of each side.

Article 7

Kosovo and Serbia declare their willingness to regulate practical and humanitarian issues in the process of normalising their relations. They will link agreements with the aim of developing and promoting on the basis of this Treaty and for their mutual benefit co-operation in the field of economy, science and technology, transport, judicial relations, postal and telecommunications, health, culture, sports, environment, defence and in other areas. Details have been agreed on at the Spuplature Protocol.

Article 8

Kosovo and Serbia will exchange permanent missions. They will be located at the headquarters of the relevant government. Practical issues related to the establishment of missions will be addressed separately.

Article 9

Kosovo and Serbia agree that this treaty will not affect the bilateral and multilateral international treaties and agreements already related to them or that it has to do with them.

Today's developments in Paris are expected to clarify more what can happen for the Franco-German plan. / Voice