Kosova Assembly adopts resolution for dialogue with Serbia – Dialogue with Serbia underway

Without the votes of opposition MPs, the Kosovo Assembly on Thursday adopted a resolution on dialogue between Pristina and Belgrade. The first meeting between two countries started on the 8^th of February in Brussels. The resolution was initiated from PDK and was supported only by MPs of the New Kosovo coalition and by parties of minority communities, which are part of the ruling coalition.

With 63 votes in favor, 48 against and one withheld, Kosovo Assembly has approved the resolution. Through the resolution, the Kosovo Assembly supports dialogue on practical issues that are in the interest of improving the lives of people and in the interest of advancing the European agenda for both countries and the whole region.

Kosovo Assembly also reconfirmed the principle that dialogue between two sides is facilitated by the EU and US. The resolution was rejected by the three opposition parties: LDK, AAK and Vetëvendosje. The first two did not agree about on the content of the resolution, while the third rejected the process of talks as a whole.

Kosovo delegation chief and deputy Prime Minister Edita Tahiri told RTK on Wednesday that Belgrade’s approach continues to have elements of the past, while expressing the unhappiness of Kosovar side with the content and the result of the talks. First talks started on air and road transport and freedom of movement of citizens in both states. Unofficial sources tell Sermb’s Blog that Serbia is very interested in stretching their air transport in Kosova as well.

Meanwhile, Belgrade representatives repeated on Thursday that Serbia will never recognize the independence of Kosovo, despite the start of dialogue on technical issues.

While, French President Nikolas Sarkozy, in a letter of congratulation to Kosovo President Behxhet Pacolli, assured him of France’s continuous support for Kosovo. Sarkozy wrote that Kosovo has made crucial reforms in consolidating institutions and in the rule of law area.

“Three years have passed since independence. Kosovo is getting stronger in the international arena and has received numerous recognitions. It has managed to make important efforts in a delicate and complex environment. I know I can count on You to double up the great zeal in this area,” Sarkozy wrote in his letter.

Local Government Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Slobodan Petrovic stated on Thursday that he expects talks between Kosovo and Serbia to resolve vital problems between the two countries. Petrovic said that he as leader of the Serb Liberal Party, which represents the majority of the Kosovo Serb community that participated in elections, wants technical talks to be successful and that he will give his personal contribution if required. Petrovic made these remarks after a meeting with Prizren mayor Ramadan Muja.