Ashton: We must compromise on something bigger.

Former High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs Catherine Ashton has spoken in Pristina on Friday about the importance of making compromises in the dialogue between Kosovo and Serbia to achieve something greater.

In a conversation with the former US envoy for the Western Balkans, Philip Reeker, Ashton spoke of the difficulties in dialogue between the two countries at the time she brokered this process 10 years ago.

“I hope you understand how important you are to me”, she has said, adding that she believes Kosovo's future will be in the European Union.

In the discussion organised by the Group for the Balkans, for dialogue between Kosovo and Serbia, Ashton has said dialogue has never been easy, and implementation of agreements is always something more difficult than achieving them.

It's important that the dialogue is seen as something that flows on, it's not up to me, or Rebecca, it belongs to you. The dialogue belongs to you and Serbia”, Ashton has said.

“The EU constantly makes internal compromises to gain something greater, but without giving up principles. However, the way you can make small changes is found to create something larger”.

Ashton, who is in Pristina for the promotion of her book “and then what: The internal accounts of XIX” diplomacy have said its main goal during dialogue mediation has been to prepare the two countries to join the EU.

Under its mediation, Kosovo and Serbia have reached the first agreement under dialogue, with the aim of normalising relations.

“The EU has responsibility and the EU has to live up to the pledges it has been declared. I have no doubt that if Kosovo meets all EU requirements, it will become an EU member”.

But it has stressed that Kosovo should be committed to this direction.

Kosovo has no luxury to say that the EU is not fulfilling its commitments. You have to show the EU that you're almost”, citing that it includes engagement in dialogue with Serbia.

Among other things, Ashton has said she hopes dialogue between the two countries will pass into the new phase, though she has mentioned it will not be easy.

“I am committed to dialogue and to assist in helping countries on their way to the EU”.

The new round of high-level dialogue between Kosovo and Serbia is held on 14 September.

The meeting has ended without any results.

The U.S. State Department has expressed disappointment at such an epilogue.

Ashton has had advice for current leaders who are part of the dialogue to ask in what direction their leadership moves them forward.

If you don't like something that's presented, okay, but what can you do more? We're interested in Brussels being told we don't like this, but we have this proposal, this is very important for us”.