Pahor: Lajcak himself asked me if I wanted to be a mediator, but something changed in Brussels that continued the mandate

The European Union Council has also formally extended the mandate of the EU's special envoy for dialogue between Kosovo and Serbia, Miroslav Lajcak, until January 2025. This decision, which member states had earlier agreed to at the request of EU high representative for foreign policy and security Josep Borrell, is now formal.

The former Slovenian president Borut Pahor has spoken about it, who has publicly expressed his interest in taking the lead in Kosovo-Serbia dialogue as European Union representative.

He has indicated that in March he had received an invitation from current emissary Miroslav Lajcak to discuss the issue, but, as he says, something changed later in Brussels.

 “In March, I was invited to Brussels to see special envoy Miroslav Lajčac, who asked me whether I would be willing to consider continuing his work if I were given the EU Council mandate. I took a break. Even then, I was aware of all the pitfalls that await the recipient, but I decided to do so. I knew it would not work without the support of leading actors in Slovenian politics. They gave it to me, which I'm grateful for”.

But then something changed in Brussels. I don't know all the reasons why. The selection process was not already completed in May, as originally said, but the Council (of EU foreign ministers; it decided in June to extend Lajcak's mandate for half a year, so by 31 January”, Lajcak has said in an interview recently given for “N1Slovenian”

He said he's willing to take that position when he's offered.

I'm ready for this position if I'm appointed. However, based on more than 30 years of experience outside and inside, it is clear to me that it would be easier if the selection process took place in May”.

“at the same time, I tell Brussels: I am here with my experience, achievements, knowledge and authority of someone accepted as an honest mediator in Kosovo, Serbia and the Western Balkans. As someone who resolved the problem with Croatia peacefully normalised relations with Serbia when Slovenia recognised Kosovo and had a escalation, and as someone who founded and led the Brdo-Brion process. I think that someone with that kind of experience coming from the vicinity of this region can make a difference and it could be a game changer --” -- declared Pahor.

He has said that the EU has another trial and wants a diplomat to take office, will respect that.

But if they decide otherwise, if they judge that a politician with the experience of prime minister and president of the Republic may be very, or it is not appropriate that he is a politician, and they want a diplomat, I understand, I respect and I continue my next job. I'll stay until the end, but I'll figure out the result. I'm not the one who gives up. I'm racing for this because I think I have the references that make me the best in this case”, Pahor declared.