Insist from Germany: The foundation of Association is key

Germany's special envoy for the Western Balkans, Manuel Sarrazin, has commented on the Kosovo government's first step towards reducing the situation in the north.

Sarrazin has said that the reduction of 25 per cent of police presence in and near municipal facilities in northern municipalities is a positive step, but has added that it is not enough to meet the EU requirements that he has submitted to the three-point plan.

I have to say it's the first step and it's a positive step, but it's just a small first step and it's not over. The EU has set a clear three-point plan that does not mean the presence of special police forces in the north and near municipal buildings, and the 25 percent landing is a step towards that, but clearly does not meet Union” requirements, Sarrazin told RTS

The German emissary has added that the parties should focus on the Ohrid Agreement and that the tense situation between the two countries affects the European perspective of the entire region.

He says Serbia must change its rhetoric about the Ohrid Agreement, and on the other hand, Kosovo to establish the Association of Serb-run municipalities.

“We need to work on the Ohrid Agreement, the current situation, whoever is more or less responsible, and whatever the prospects in Serbia and Kosovo, this situation has a negative impact on the European perspective of the entire region. The deal is not perfect, nothing in the world is usually perfect, but it's a great chance to solve the stalemate in their relationship”.

Serbia must change its rhetoric regarding the Ohrid Agreement and fully implement it. On the other hand, we need the dedication of the Kosovo side. For us, the international community, the Association of Serb majority municipalities is key”, he has indicated.