Serbian deputy PM mulls 'Hong Kong model' for Kosovo

Serbian deputy PM mulls 'Hong Kong model' for Kosovo [fr]

Published: 10 March 2011

Serbia hopes to be ready to join the European Union by the end of 2015, but first a "creative" solution will have to be found for its former province Kosovo, Serbian Deputy Prime Minister Bozidar Djelic told EurActiv Germany in an exclusive interview. He cited the "Hong Kong model" as one way of resolving the issue.

As Serbia's progress towards EU accession depends on its ability to solve its problems with its neighbours, Djelic said he would seek a "creative" compromise to an ongoing dispute on the independence of Kosovo.

When questioned about the meaning of "creativity"" in the context of finding a solution, he mentioned the 1972 model of the two Germanys and the "Hong Kong model".

The "two Germanys" system allowed West Germany not to recognise the communist East while at the same time maintaining relations with the German Democratic Republic and even establishing a ministry in charge of inter-German relations. 

After the 1997 handover to China of Hong Kong, a former British colony, it became a special administrative region of its new master. This means that the territory of Hong Kong is ruled according to the principle of 'one country, two systems'.

Such a compromise would guarantee Kosovo economic and political autonomy without endangering Serbia's territorial integrity, Djelic claimed.

"You cannot have lasting peace if you support one nationalism versus another. It is much better to support an unsatisfactory but workable European type of compromise," he said.

Serbia is ready to enter into a dialogue with Kosovo to discuss everyday issues, Djelic added, ranging from licence plates to customs stamps.

The first direct talks between Serbia and Kosovo, which declared independence unilaterally in 2008, began on 8 March in Brussels, under the oversight of EU High Representative Catherine Ashton.

However, Djelic did not want to talk about recognising Kosovo's independence. Serbia should not be forced to choose between "Europe or Kosovo," he insisted.

http://www.euractiv.com/en/enlargement/serbian-deputy-pm-mulls-hong-kong-model-kosovo-news-502936