Brussels, 20 September 2023 (TDI): Josep Borrell Fontanelles, the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, has expressed deep concern over the lack of implementation by both parties of their commitments in the Belgrade-Pristina Dialogue on September 14th in Brussels.
The agreement established between these two states last year holds significant importance in their journey toward European Union membership.
In a statement on behalf of the European Union, Joseph Borrell emphasized the need for both parties to actively and constructively pursue the implementation of the EU Proposal and to fulfil all past dialogue agreements without any further delays.
He also stressed the importance of initiating work on the establishment of an association of Serb majority municipalities without any further delay.
Moreover, he underscored the critical role of confidentiality in dialogue as a vital step in sensitive negotiations.
Furthermore, Joseph expressed the European Union’s concerns about the lack of progress toward de-escalating the situation in the northern part of Kosovo, which has deteriorated significantly.
A number of international peacekeeping forces, citizens, police officers, and journalists were hurt during the violence that started a few months after the latest flare-up of violence.
Some of the injured people have not fully recovered, he added.
Also Read: EU Condemns Violence in Kosovo, Calls for De-escalation
Joseph reiterated that his statement on behalf of the European Union on June 3rd remains valid and all actions taken by the EU including the suspension of high-level meetings in Kosovo are still applicable.
In addition he stated that these measures could be reversed in the event of progress in addressing existing requests, and further measures would be assessed for both parties if necessary.
He also highlights the significance of early elections in the northern part of Kosovo and stresses that they could contribute to the de-escalation of the conflict and encourage Kosovo Serbs to actively participate in the election process without imposing any conditions.
He called on all political leaders to avoid further escalation of conflict and urged them to actively engage in the election process in northern Kosovo and the facilitation process.
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