Serbia favours dialogue, but not with Kosovo as country

05. September 2010. | 07:05

Source: Emg.rs, Tanjug

Serbian President Boris Tadic said Friday that a lasting solution for Kosovo could be found only through dialogue, but that Serbia, respectful as it is of the rights of ethnic Albanians, could not talk with representatives of the so called Republic of Kosovo.

Serbian President Boris Tadic said Friday that a lasting solution for Kosovo could be found only through dialogue, but that Serbia, respectful as it is of the rights of ethnic Albanians, could not talk with representatives of the so called Republic of Kosovo.

"Serbia wants to settle the Kosovo issue together with its European partners," Tadic said after meeting with Slovenia's Prime Minister Borut Pahor, adding that he was there to defend Serbia's legitimate interest, but while keeping in mind Serbia's and Kosovo Albanians' European future.

According to Tadic, Serbia has no intention of obstructing the search for a solution to the Kosovo problem, but instead wishes settle that historical conflict in the Western Balkans, because it realizes it cannot bring a new conflict into the EU.

"A lasting peace can be achieved only by offering a European future to each of the Western Balkan nations. Only a lasting peace and a peaceful policy can provide a good future for each family and economy in this region," Tadic noted.

However, there are some red lines Serbia will not cross, just like the EU, Tadic remarked, adding he hoped Serbia's proposed UN resolution on Kosovo, which should be harmonized with the EU stand, would protect the country's legitimate interest, as well as define a joint view by the EU.

"All those who think this is another moment for Serbia to be defeated and humiliated are wrong. That is a very destructive attitude at a complex moment in history. A solution is possible through a constructive dialogue, by acknowledging the rights of each country and people," Tadic stated.

The Serbian president hopes to find a compromise concerning the resolution on Kosovo with EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton. The document will be discussed by the UN General Assembly on September 9.

"A dialogue would open the door to EU membership for everyone, but it would also help EU members find their European and security interest in the Western Balkans," Tadic explained.

The solution to the Kosovo problem and other open issues in the region should be sought with plenty of patience, one step at a time, and by preserving peace and stability, said Pahor.

Belgrade and Pristina can establish a dialogue that would settle any unresolved issues, and if Slovenia can help with that, it will do so willingly, Pahor stated.

It is in the interest of Serbia and the international community to make the resolution acceptable for both Serbia and the EU, the prime minister asserted.

http://www.emg.rs/en/news/serbia/131801.html