Normal relations with Pristina key for EU accessio
Germany's Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle said on Friday that a normalization of the relations between Belgrade and Pristina was necessary for their ultimate accession into the EU as a partner, with all the rights and obligations.
(KosovoCompromiseStuff) Friday, November 23, 2012
Berlin supports in full the fast and ambitious efforts by EU High Representative for Foreign Policy Catherine Ashton towards normalizing those relations, he noted.
Speaking at a conference of foreign ministers from Southeastern Europe, Westerwelle asked Belgrade and Pristina to continue their strong and constructive efforts in the negotiations.
A political understanding between Belgrade and Pristina about key issues is necessary, including the unsolved situation in northern Kosovo and honest and direct implementation of past and future agreements, he stated.
The German official said the EU remained committed to integrating the countries of the region, adding that enlargement was still the EU's strategic interest.
Divisions in Europe will not be truly overcome until all the countries of the Western Balkans complete their path into the EU, he said, stressing the importance of upholding human rights and the rule of law and battling corruption and organized crime for the EU.
It is up to each country to show resolve, courage and competence, he noted. There are no shortcuts to membership in the EU. The negotiations last until all the criteria for membership are met, he added.
Speaking at a conference of foreign ministers from Southeastern Europe, Westerwelle asked Belgrade and Pristina to continue their strong and constructive efforts in the negotiations.
A political understanding between Belgrade and Pristina about key issues is necessary, including the unsolved situation in northern Kosovo and honest and direct implementation of past and future agreements, he stated.
The German official said the EU remained committed to integrating the countries of the region, adding that enlargement was still the EU's strategic interest.
Divisions in Europe will not be truly overcome until all the countries of the Western Balkans complete their path into the EU, he said, stressing the importance of upholding human rights and the rule of law and battling corruption and organized crime for the EU.
It is up to each country to show resolve, courage and competence, he noted. There are no shortcuts to membership in the EU. The negotiations last until all the criteria for membership are met, he added.
