Pahor says he will offer his plans and references for Kosovo-Serbia dialogue if the EU selects him as mediator
(2 years ago)Former Slovenian President Borut Pahor, who is aiming at the position that will leave emissary Miroslav Lajcak in August, has indicated his view that dialogue “is stalled due to a lack of confidence” and said he offers his plan to restore his confidence. Asked by Kosovo Online what it wants [...]
Former Slovenian President Borut Pahor, who is aiming at the position that will leave emissary Miroslav Lajcak in August, has indicated his view that dialogue “is stalled due to a lack of confidence” and said he offers his plan to restore his confidence.
Asked by Kosovo Online what will change in dialogue if it takes the target position and where it sees the solution, Pahor has replied he cannot say that now, but that he is interested in the post of special EU envoy.
I can't say this now until the process begins. I've decided to go into that process and then, if they accept that decision, I'll say and offer all my references, I'll give you my plan. Dialogue is in trouble, there is a lack of trust and we have to find a way to move forward with greater faith”, Pahor said.
He stressed that without progress in dialogue, neither Kosovo nor Serbia can achieve anything for a safer future.
Asked whether it is possible for the entire Western Balkans to be in the EU in 2030, he admits that perhaps it is not possible, but without optimism, even 2050 will not be a realistic year.
“Optimism existed in 2004, does not exist today. My presentation at the meeting, when I said 2030, was not received with applause, because nobody believes neither the EU nor the countries of the region will be ready in 2030. But if we continue to do so, then the region will not be in the EU even in 2050. And time is running out of”, Pahor said in Ljubljana, where his Institute “The Friends of the Western Balkans” organised a conference for the future of the Western Balkans in the EU.
Because of all geopolitical challenges, such as the war in Ukraine and the conflict in the Middle East, peace must be preserved, he said.
Let's not be kidding. We are the answer to preserving peace, stability and welfare of people in this part of Europe. Only enlargement of the European Union is a stable guarantee of peace and security”, Pahor concluded.