EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Federica Mogherini said in Pristina that it was time for Kosovo to ratify the demarcation agreement with Montenegro and thus “unblock the visa liberalisation process for the people of Kosovo.”
At a press conference held jointly with Kosovo Prime Minister Isa Mustafa, Mogherini said the EU was ready to make such a step and that it was up to Kosovo Assembly to live up to its obligations.
She said that political parties were obliged to overcome political differences and debates especially when it comes to something very concrete such as visa liberalisation and reach an agreement in a constructive manner.
“I am certain that political parties would find a solution to this issue once it has been put before the Assembly. The people of Kosovo want and deserve visa liberalisation. What they do not deserve is the lack of national political consensus on important issues such as visa liberalisation and overall progress on the EU path,” Mogherini said.
She said that Kosovo did make progress, especially in terms of fighting against corruption.
She thanked the Prime Minister and the President of Kosovo for their constructive approach to Belgrade-Pristina dialogue.
“The dialogue is not something that is done for the sake of Brussels; we have quite a full agenda. This is at the service of the people of Kosovo. This is a facilitation we offer, a support we guarantee, in order to find sustainable solutions to issues that are on the table,” she said.
Mogherini said that the agreements needed to be implemented faster and added that she would continue to guarantee all the support in those efforts.
Isa Mustafa said that the dialogue with neighbouring countries, including Serbia, had no alternative in terms of normalisation of ties and the resolution of outstanding issues.
He also said that some of those issues, such as the Community of Serb municipalities, were on hold because Serbian representatives were failing to return to Kosovo institutions. He asked Brussels for assistance on this matter and added that the Community should be established in full respect of the Constitutional Court’s decision.
Mogherini started her visit to Kosovo by holding a meeting with the President Hashim Taci, followed by a meeting with the Assembly Speaker Kadri Veseli and ended it with a meeting with Prime Minister Mustafa.
Mogherini also met with political leaders, including Serbian representatives.
Mogherini: Dialogue and peace never an easy exercise, but always worthwhile
Mogherini continued her visit to Kosovo by making a stop in Mitrovica and touring construction works on the main bridge over Ibar. There she said that the bridge would soon become a symbol of dialogue between peoples instead of a symbol of division.
Following a meeting with civil society representatives from both South and North part of Mitrovica, she said that their dialogue was much more important than the one she was having in Brussels.
“Dialogue and peace is never an easy exercise, but it is always a worthwhile exercise,” Mogherini said.
Reconciliation is the key word here and “this is the key work that we are doing and that we are supporting.”
“Reconciliation brings peace, and with peace comes prosperity,” Mogherini said.
She thanked local representatives for the support they provided for that project.
Mogherini said that it was not easy, but that the project was coming to an end and would serve its purpose in a few month time.
“So the dialogue, cooperation and peace is possible,” she said and added that the EU would remain committed to Kosovo and numerous projects it intended to implement.
“I am feeling a strong emotion, I am also very impressed of what has been achieved in a short period and I am convinced that this is because there is an understanding here, finally, that bridges can unite and that difficulties can be overcome,” EU High Representative said.
*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.
