The United States and the European Union will not impose any Association model holding executive powers and are not interested in creating a Serbian Republic in Kosovo.
This was the message delivered by the two special envoys Gabriel Escobar and Miroslav Lajcak.
In a joint press conference at the end of their three-day visit in Kosovo, Escobar explained that the US does not want to impose a predefined model for the Association.
“The models shouldn’t undermine the sovereignty of Kosovo. So, we need to find one of these models. They can be found, negotiated and parties can reconcile. This is the scope of the dialogue”, said Escobar.
“The US doesn’t intend to impose or pick a model on behalf of the parties involved. Nevertheless, we can help out assist if there are any models that they would like to explore”, he added.
Lajcak maintained that one of the topics discussed with political actors, opposition leaders, and representatives of civil society was the Association of Serb-majority Municipalities.
Today, DAS Gabriel Escobar and I met with opposition political parties in Kosovo. Pleased to hear their understanding of the importance of anda support for the Dialogue on normalisation of relations. pic.twitter.com/WGwKjUtMD2
— Miroslav Lajčák (@MiroslavLajcak) February 1, 2022
He stated that no one would want to install a Serbian Republic in Kosovo.
“If you want to bring an end to the existence of parallel structures. If you want transparency on money flow and rule of law in the north, that can be done within the legal and constitutional framework of Kosovo”, said the EU Special Envoy.
Additionally, Lajcak said Kosovo shouldn’t be concerned about something that “doesn’t exist”.
“Be confident and aware that you’re shareholders, as well as equal partners, in this process. There is no reason to be afraid about a process that you and Serbia are leading together. And we are here to make sure that every decision is based on European norms, standards, and values”, he added.
The two diplomats considered the visit aimed to encourage the Kosovar government to return to the dialogue table as productive.
The last time a high-level meeting took place was in July 2021.
Escobar and Lajcak will now head to Belgrade to meet with Serbian political leaders.
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