Stano: EU does not impose solutions on Kosovo- Serbia

European Union spokesman Peter Stano has said that the European bloc does not impose solutions on partners, while speaking of the EU's role in resolving differences between Kosovo and Serbia.

Asked about the recent tensions between the two countries, due to the issue of Serbian license plates and documents, Stano has said the EU helps the parties only find a compromise.

Many issues that are causing frustration in relations between Belgrade and Pristina are addressed in the EU-mediated dialogue. That's why it's called mediated dialogue, not mandatory. We can mediate as long as there is readiness from both sides to find compromise solutions”.

According to him, the progress of Kosovo and Serbia on the road to the EU depends on the steps they take in the dialogue.

“We help them compromise, but it is up to them to be willing to make necessary compromises. We will do this at our next meetings, including the one between the president (serb, Aleksandar) Vuciq and Prime Minister (Kosovo, Albin) Kurti, to advance all the issues within the dialogue, because without progress in dialogue, there will be no progress on the European path”.

Serbia has officially applied for EU membership in 2009. In March 2012, Serbia has been granted candidate status.

Kosovo has only signed a Stabilisation and Association Agreement with the EU, which is the first step towards membership in the bloc.

Kurti and Vuciq will meet on 18 August in Brussels with EU top diplomat Josep Borrell and EU envoy for dialogue between the two countries Miroslav Lajcak.

Serbia's president, Aleksandar Vuciq, has said on 11 August that he is skeptical of reaching any results in the new round of dialogue.

I'm going to Brussels to talk, I don't hope for any results, but I'm going for talks”, he told the media in Belgrade.

The parties were invited to dialogue following tensions in northern Kosovo, days ago.

The Kosovo government had made a decision to implement the decision on Serbian license plates and documents from August 1st.

Under the Government's decision, owners of Kosovo city license plates issued by Serbian authorities must re-register them at RKS.

Also, all Serbian citizens will have to equip with a document for entry/ exits at border crossings between Kosovo and Serbia.

Kosovo and Serbia have free movement agreements since 2011.

Serbia has implemented it immediately.

Kosovo has implemented it for a few hours on August 1st, as it has postponed implementing the decision on September 1st, aimed at reducing tensions in the north.

The United States and the European Union have also urged such a postponement, though they have said Kosovo has the right to implement those decisions. / REL/