Belgrade refuses to talk with "illegal institutions" in Pristina

Belgrade is not ready to talk with representatives of Kosovo institutions that, according to Serbia Minister for Kosovo Goran Bogdanovic, ‘decided to take illegally part of Serbia's proper'.

(KosovoCompromise staff) Monday, January 19, 2009

‘This, of course, does not mean that we are not ready for talks with the UN and EULEX over implementation of six points crucial for the community', Bogdanovic said in an interview for the daily ‘Blic'.

Q: What are the goals of Belgrade?

‘We want that in Serbian communities, members of the police are of Serbian nationality. We want one Serb to be deputy at the international police. As regards courts, these days there are ongoing talks on local judicial representatives. We want our judges and prosecutors to be equal in court proceedings and to work as per laws and decrees of the UNMIK passed in 1999. It is completely unacceptable for us to work as per the laws of the so-called state of Kosovo'.

Q: What of the plan that Belgrade insisted on is presently in practical implementation?
‘Nothing at the moment. That is why we permanently appeal on the UNMIK that negotiations begin as soon as possible'.

Q: There are opinions that the six-point plan is actually introduction into partition of Kosovo?

‘The plan refers to the whole territory of the province. Partition is not acceptable and the Government has never discussed it'.

Q: Is there idea of launching status negotiations again and do you believe in such negotiations?

‘Our opinion is that the status has not been solved. We want a compromise acceptable for both sides'.

Q: How do local Serbian communities cooperate with the EULEX?

‘If the EU mission is going to work on settlement of the pending problems it can count on serious cooperation with Serbia and consequently with the local Serb representatives in Kosovo and Metohija'.

Q: Is there cooperation with the International civil office?
‘There is no cooperation and my opinion is that there shall be no cooperation in the foreseeable future because of the rhethorics by that office's chief Pieter Feith. That office is implementing Martti Ahtisaari's plan and that is not acceptable'.