Reeker: Dialogue with Pristina trumps memorial
U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Philip Reeker said Wednesday that the dispute over the memorial to members of the so-called Liberation Army of Presevo, Bujanovac and Medvedja (OVPBM) in the southern Serbian town of Presevo was a Balkan drama and that the focus should be on more important issues, such as the progress of the Belgrade-Pristina dialogue.
(kosovocompromisestuff) Wednesday, January 16, 2013
This is a typical Balkan drama, which should be resolved in line with rule of law and the focus should be turned to more important things, Reeker said during his visit to Brussels, adding that the OSCE was involved in the efforts to settle the issue.
Incredible progress has been made over the past few months, said Reeker, noting that many of his colleagues doubted the agreement on integrated crossings management would ever be implemented, and yet it happened.
The U.S. diplomat commended the prime ministers of Serbia and Kosovo, Ivica Dacic and Hasim Taci, and especially EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton, who is mediating their dialogue.
Reeker said he would meet with both Dacic and Taci before they resume their talks on Thursday, adding that the United States would continue actively following and assisting in the process of normalization of ties between Serbia and Kosovo.
Incredible progress has been made over the past few months, said Reeker, noting that many of his colleagues doubted the agreement on integrated crossings management would ever be implemented, and yet it happened.
The U.S. diplomat commended the prime ministers of Serbia and Kosovo, Ivica Dacic and Hasim Taci, and especially EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton, who is mediating their dialogue.
Reeker said he would meet with both Dacic and Taci before they resume their talks on Thursday, adding that the United States would continue actively following and assisting in the process of normalization of ties between Serbia and Kosovo.
