Technical dialogue continues in Brussels
Belgrade and Pristina continued their technical dialogue in Brussels on Friday after they failed to reach an agreement concerning the collection of customs duties at the administrative crossings the day before.
(KosovoCompromisestuff) Friday, January 11, 2013
Head of Belgrade's team Dejan Pavicevic, Head of the Office for Kosovo Aleksandar Vulin, and Mayor of northern Kosovska Mitrovica Krstimir Pantic entered the headquarters of the EU's European External Action Service (EEAS) this morning without talking to reporters. Head of Pristina's team Edita Tahiri did not make any statements either.
The purpose of the meeting, taking place behind closed doors at the EEAS building which houses the offices of EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton, is to lay the groundwork for the upcoming meeting of Serbia's and Kosovo's prime ministers Ivica Dacic and Hasim Taci.
A source at the European Commission told Tanjug that on Thursday the two delegations were unsuccessful in resolving the key issue of customs duties collection at the integrated crossings.
Belgrade is firmly opposed to customs and excise duties on goods intended for sale in northern Kosovo, while Pristina insists on collecting them.
Ashton's spokeswoman Maja Kocijancic said yesterday that the dialogue could continue on Monday if no agreement was reached today.
The next meeting between Dacic and Taci, with Ashton's mediation, will take place on January 17.
The purpose of the meeting, taking place behind closed doors at the EEAS building which houses the offices of EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton, is to lay the groundwork for the upcoming meeting of Serbia's and Kosovo's prime ministers Ivica Dacic and Hasim Taci.
A source at the European Commission told Tanjug that on Thursday the two delegations were unsuccessful in resolving the key issue of customs duties collection at the integrated crossings.
Belgrade is firmly opposed to customs and excise duties on goods intended for sale in northern Kosovo, while Pristina insists on collecting them.
Ashton's spokeswoman Maja Kocijancic said yesterday that the dialogue could continue on Monday if no agreement was reached today.
The next meeting between Dacic and Taci, with Ashton's mediation, will take place on January 17.
