European Union High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Federica Mogherini urged once again the Government of Kosovo* to revoke the decision to impose taxes on goods imported from Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina and pointed out she still believes in a positive outcome of the Serbia-Kosovo dialogue in the form of a legally binding agreement on comprehensive normalisation of relations.
Following a meeting with EU diplomacy chiefs, Mogherini said that European ministers fully support the continuation of the dialogue between Serbia and Kosovo.
“The dialogue, however, belongs to the sides engaged in the process, and the EU is there to offer mediation, venue and advice, but it is up to them to decide on the agenda and the outcome of the dialogue,” Mogherini told reporters.
“What the EU deems important and has made clear from the very beginning is an outcome that would resolve all pending issues in a comprehensive manner and in compliance with international law,” Mogherini said and noted that she would like this to happen without the drawing of ethnic lines.
“Let me be more clear, – whatever adjustments the two sides make, I believe they won’t resort to creating ethnically clean states, pardon me for using that dreadful expression. I believe in multiethnicity, whatever the solution may be, and I believe it can be mutually agreed upon,” Mogherini stated.
Mogherini said that the dialogue is faced with certain difficulties, albeit great ones, reminding about Pristina’s decision to impose tariffs of 100 per cent on goods imported from Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Mogherini said: “I am certain that the two sides can, not only continue the dialogue, but also turn it into a success. Once again, it is up to them, not the EU Member States.”
*This designation is without prejudice to positions on status, and is in line with UNSCR. 1244/1999 and the ICJ Opinion on the Kosovo Declaration of independence
