Sarrazine: Serbia's criteria for KiE membership are ours

Germany's Emisari, Manuel Sarrazin, said his country is a strong supporter of Kosovo, but added it is now key for Kosovo to persuade the Council of Europe member states to support its membership bid.

We have been closely following developments in the Parliamentary Assembly. And we, of course, take into account the Parliamentary Assembly's decision in our discussions. Of course, we are strong friends and supporters of Kosovo. And we stand behind the idea of approaching Kosovo with Europe, which includes membership in the Council of Europe. But the decision in the end will be of the Council of Ministers, and it is essential that Kosovo now do everything it can to convince a wide majority of member states. Especially minority rights are a key theme for the Council of Europe”, Sarrazin told EWB.

Asked about the “discontent of Serbian authorities” for the establishment of association on the part of Kosovo, Sarrazin said the conditions Serbia appoints are not conditions even for Germany.

“I must say I cannot really follow Serbia's argument. At least for the German side, I can say that the criteria mentioned by Serbia have never been published as our criteria for possible Kosovo membership in the Council of Europe. In general, the situation of confronting minorities in Kosovo is very relevant. But Kosovo has obligation from the Brussels agreements reached in 2011 and 2013, as well as the Ohrid Agreement to implement Association. What is clear is that Kosovo and Serbia must implement the Ohrid Agreement, which includes the establishment of the” Association.