Ivanovic: ICJ decision on Kosovo to reopen dialogue
Serbian Secretary of State for Kosovo, Oliver Ivanovic, said on Thursday that although he didn't expect countries which supported Kosovo's unilateral declaration of independence to revoke their recognition, the imminent decision of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on the legality of the declaration would reopen the dialogue pertaining to Kosovo's status, reported Radio Television Serbia ( RTS).
(KosovoCompromise Staff) Friday, June 25, 2010
Ivanovic made the announcement after meeting with the British Minister of State for Europe David Lidington who was visiting the Serb-dominated town of Kosovska Mitrovica, north of the Ibar River.
"It is our opinion that the status issue has not been resolved, " said Ivanovic,"and that which pertains to license plates, telephone, electricity and other so-called technical issues will sooner or later lead to discussions about the status."
Ivanovic said a future Kosovo could be based on the "Cyprus model."
Ivanovic also charged that the parts of Kosovo administered through the ethnic Albanian authorities in Pristina had become corrupt and criminalized.
"The essential problems are found south of the Ibar River, and the seat of organized crime and corruption is in Pristina," said Ivanovic, adding that any attempt to equate the problems of the Serbs in the north was a "diversion of attention in an effort to establish a false balance between Pristina and north of the province."
At the meeting, Lidington and Ivanovic said they also discussed the opening of the court in Kosovska Mitrovica, which the Serbs in the north demand not fall under administration in Pristina.
"I think it is possible to open a court in northern Kosovska Mitrovica, but it is unacceptable that the appointment of judges be conducted by the Kosovo authorities. Serbian judges are of high quality and credible, with no moral stains, and their selection can be done through international institutions - UNMIK and EULEX, " said Ivanovic.
