Jeremic: Council of Europe to stay focused on status-neutral initiatives towards Kosovo

Addressing the participants of the 120th Session of the Committee of Ministers of CoE, Jeremic reminded that one of the most delicate matters facing the Council of Europe space - and one which is of fundamental importance for Serbia - is the disputed status of the province of Kosovo, and emphasized that the country's peaceful and principled policy regarding the province will not change.

The minister evaluated that Serbia is approaching "a new, more promising moment on Kosovo."

"In the time ahead, we should come together to find a way to resolve the issue in a way that is acceptable to all responsible stakeholders," Jeremic said.

"Parallel to such a hopeful development, everything should be done to avoid acrimonious and divisive debates on Kosovo in fora such as this one," he pointed out.

"That is why we feel that the status-neutral initiatives of the Council of Europe should continue to be the focus of its work," the minister assessed.

"Non-controversial projects such as safeguarding and reconstructing Serbian patrimonial sites will preserve our Organization's unity and contribute to reducing tensions on the ground. They should also help build momentum for achieving the ultimate goal: a historic compromise between Serbs and Albanians," Jeremic underscored.

Pointing out that Serbia and CoE share dedication to enhance regional cooperation and promote good neighborly relations, the minister added that the country looks forward to a successful conference on the European future of the region to be held in Sarajevo on June 2, under the auspices of the Spanish EU presidency.

"We expect the participants to agree that completing the democratic transformation of the region is a priority of the first order. We hope we will receive unanimous support for an energetic European policy of integration of the Western Balkans, "Jeremic said.