Ruecker: Leaving EU measures on Kosovo is only a matter of time

Former boss of UNMIK, Joachim Ruecker, said Kosovo has made great achievements since he was chief of the mission, citing among other things the parliamentary assembly's support for membership in the Council of Europe.

“What recently happened, for example, at the Parliamentary Assembly in the KiE, shows that Kosovo's integration into international organisations and Euro-Atlantic bodies is advancing. I know that the Council of Ministers' decision is still needed, however, this is a symbol of how things are progressing”, Joachim Ruecker said at the latest “End News at RTK.

Asked whether the time has come for UNMIK to complete its mandate in Kosovo, Ruecker said the UN Security Council would not agree to abolish the resolution.

You know, this is not for UNMIK to decide, and I think the UN Security Council will not agree to abolish Resolution 1244, given Russia's position, so 1244 continues to exist. Even UNMIK continues to exist, but has been reduced to the presence that we can say symbolic”, he said.

I think 1244 has accomplished its mission and has to withdraw, but I don't believe it will happen in the coming months. Most important, however, is how the process of Kosovo's membership will go to European ganisms, but also in terms of membership in the United Nations, and there are still several obstacles”, Ruecker stressed.

And speaking of Kosovo's north, the German diplomat said it is in the interest of the Serb minority to integrate into Kosovo institutions and participate in the elections, however, according to him. Belgrade's influence is stopping them.

“In my opinion is not in Serbia's interest either, because allowing the Serb minority to integrate into Kosovo is also in Belgrade's interest, because, if that doesn't happen, Serbia cannot become an EU member”, Ruecker stressed further.

Ruecker, among other things, said that in the process of dialogue between Pristina and Belgrade, there is no progress, however, according to him, the removal of EU measures towards Kosovo will happen soon.

“I think it's a matter of time because all steps have already been taken and voting was made to attract mayors. The attempt was made to resolve the political situation in the four municipalities in the north and I think your government is in the right direction and I believe these efforts will be recognised by the EU and will continue projects that have been suspended at the moment”, he said.

Former boss of UNMIK stressed that Kosovo must establish the Association of Serb majority municipalities and that Serbia recognises the former Kosovo as a state.

 The “You mentioned the Ohrid Agreement and the next steps are clear, it needs to be formalised and my opinion is that it should be continued substantially, the realisation of this agreement, but Kosovo should also deal with the establishment of the Serb majority municipalities and have recognition deprived-fact from Serbia, perhaps they do not implement this, but this should be put on the finish line. It is quite clear from the EU that these things should happen”, Ruecker said.