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 
<http://www.emg.rs/en/news/serbia/131747.html>  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

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