German Defence Minister: Unfortunately, dialogue is achieving steady progress. The dinar issue is resolved with talks

German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius in an interview for Beogtadi's newspaper Blictadis has said the dinar issue should be resolved under the Kosovo-Serbia dialogue mediated by Brussels.

The “here has crashed two views: on the one hand, the regulation represents the implementation of the Kosovo Constitution, and on the other, the Constitution of Serbia envisions the dinar as the sole means of payment. For me it is clear that the Serbian part of the population, especially in northern Kosovo, still depends on the use of the Serbian dinar. Change takes time. And this time must be given to reach a solution through dialogue. I think even this conflict should be resolved at the negotiating table within the EU-led peace dialogue. Until then, escalation should be avoided due to hasty actions” said Pistorius.

The German minister has also made comments about Kosovo-Serbia dialogue, saying this process is achieving steady progress.

“Situate in the region remains complex and sometimes tense due to various conflicts, deeply rooted and partially historical. Relations between the two countries are developing slowly. The dialogue on normalisation under EU auspices continues to give new impulses, but, unfortunately, does not achieve sustainable progress. Progress is often blocked by deep distrust.

On the one hand, this is understandable because not all the wounds of the past have yet been healed. On the other hand, progress cannot be achieved without mutual approach and trust”, the minister stressed.

For my opinion, normalising relations is the first step towards a positive future. As in any conflict, there is never just one party to blame. Both sides must reconsider their previously cemented positions. I make it clear to everyone I talk to during my trip that provocations are never helpful. It is up to all parties to step forward and send visible signs of readiness for compromise”, he added.