Ljajic expects continuation of technical dialogue
Serbian Deputy Prime Minister Rasim Ljajic stated Friday that the draft platform on Kosovo is a starting point for agreements, adding that it is not in Serbia's interest to cease the technical dialogue with Pristina, as it has never been closer to the date for the beginning of the EU accession talks.
(KosovoCompromiseStuff) Friday, December 21, 2012
When asked whether it is realistic to end the technical dialogue and start a political one with Pristina, as said in the draft platform, Ljajic said for Radio and Television of Serbia that it is not is Serbia's interest to suspend the technical dialogue, as it has never been closer to a real date for the beginning of the talks.
We know the road map now, and what should be done by March, when the results will be considered. I expect that the technical dialogue will continue, Ljajic said.
He added that the Kosovo-Metohija platform, which was presented by Serbian President Tomislav Nikolic to opposition leaders on Thursday, is a starting point for agreements and a list of thoughts about the resolution of the status of Kosovo.
Ljajic said that there are different reactions to the platform, but that this has been expected, adding that the opinion of certain international factors is still awaited.
He said that the reports by the international community read that special characteristics of Serbs in Kosovo must be considered, adding that Serbia should understand their special situation, and think of a way in which to safeguard it.
"For the first time, the international community has been speaking about this special situation explicitly. We should now see what it is about. It is less important whether someone would call it autonomy, association of municipalities or a region. What is important is the content of what we call autonomy or a corpus of rights which Serbs in the north should have," Ljajic explained.
Ljajic said that it is difficult to reach a consensus in Serbia about the platform, but that after the talks it will be determined which principles could be agreed on.
"We will see what we have in common and whether we can have one corpus of questions or at least principles which have full agreement of the government, the opposition and important social factors in the country," he said.
Regarding Kosovo Prime Minister Hasim Taci's statement that he finds the Kosovo platform unacceptable, Ljajic underlined that Serbia's goal is to change the stance of the international community, but that there is no reason for the suspension of talks with Kosovo Albanian representatives.
Taking as a starting point that Serbia will never recognize the independence of its province, the Belgrade platform on Kosovo forecasts the end of technical dialogue and continuation of political dialogue with Pristina, and underlines "package talks" as the basic principle of the negotiations.
"Nothing is agreed until everything is agreed," states the draft platform on Kosovo that the press had access to and confirmed its authenticity.
The strategic document, which the Serbian public has been expecting for a long time, states that Belgrade will seek autonomy for all Serb communities in the province, on the model of Catalonia, and the SPC status on the model of the Vatican.
We know the road map now, and what should be done by March, when the results will be considered. I expect that the technical dialogue will continue, Ljajic said.
He added that the Kosovo-Metohija platform, which was presented by Serbian President Tomislav Nikolic to opposition leaders on Thursday, is a starting point for agreements and a list of thoughts about the resolution of the status of Kosovo.
Ljajic said that there are different reactions to the platform, but that this has been expected, adding that the opinion of certain international factors is still awaited.
He said that the reports by the international community read that special characteristics of Serbs in Kosovo must be considered, adding that Serbia should understand their special situation, and think of a way in which to safeguard it.
"For the first time, the international community has been speaking about this special situation explicitly. We should now see what it is about. It is less important whether someone would call it autonomy, association of municipalities or a region. What is important is the content of what we call autonomy or a corpus of rights which Serbs in the north should have," Ljajic explained.
Ljajic said that it is difficult to reach a consensus in Serbia about the platform, but that after the talks it will be determined which principles could be agreed on.
"We will see what we have in common and whether we can have one corpus of questions or at least principles which have full agreement of the government, the opposition and important social factors in the country," he said.
Regarding Kosovo Prime Minister Hasim Taci's statement that he finds the Kosovo platform unacceptable, Ljajic underlined that Serbia's goal is to change the stance of the international community, but that there is no reason for the suspension of talks with Kosovo Albanian representatives.
Taking as a starting point that Serbia will never recognize the independence of its province, the Belgrade platform on Kosovo forecasts the end of technical dialogue and continuation of political dialogue with Pristina, and underlines "package talks" as the basic principle of the negotiations.
"Nothing is agreed until everything is agreed," states the draft platform on Kosovo that the press had access to and confirmed its authenticity.
The strategic document, which the Serbian public has been expecting for a long time, states that Belgrade will seek autonomy for all Serb communities in the province, on the model of Catalonia, and the SPC status on the model of the Vatican.
