Power: We are in critical phase, we expect very concrete proposals for Association

In an interview given for ATV, Power has said it is now a critical phase, where Kosovo and Serbia are expected to come up with concrete proposals.

But, USAID's top representative stresses that even now there is a unwillingness to engage about establishing the Association of Serb majority municipalities, but hoping that in the next phase the Kosovo side will come up with concrete proposals.

“Pate chance of meeting with Prime Minister Kurti and President Osmani, and both were very determined that the Ohrid Agreement should be implemented overall, and that contains in itself all preliminary agreements. We are now entering a critical stage where we are waiting for both sides to come up with very concrete proposals in order to achieve a common position. I think it's important to keep in mind that we're coming from a period where there wasn't supposed to be discussions, in the first place there would be no dialogue without recognition, though that was a long time ago. Even now, during these talks, there is an unwillingness to engage about association. These talks have already begun and are still conceptual, without a focus on detail, but we are optimistic that the next phase of Kosovo will come up with concrete proposals”, Power said.

About whether to deal with modalities within the Constitution of Kosovo and within a certain time frame, Power has said the US has been clear that an additional level of governance should not be created and that executive competencies are not something that is envisioned here.

In addition, the USAID Administrator has said he understands even sensitivity to the issue of Association, but the US has made clear the position of association to keep the country in line with the Kosovo Constitution.

I think the U.S. has been very clear about our position, which is that an additional level of governance should not be created and that executive computers are not something that is envisioned here. What we're talking about is municipal functions, which are already exercised in other parts of Kosovo. Hence, I understand the sensitivity of this issue, the sorrow that exists, especially when some advance proposals are considered. Still, as for the US position regarding the country this Association should have within the Constitution of Kosovo and the governing structure in Kosovo, it is very clear