Brussels, 04/11/2011 (Agence Europe) - European Parliament President Jerzy Buzek called on Thursday 3 November for discussion to be resumed between Serbia and Kosovo. “We cannot allow the ghosts of the past to affect peace today. We need renewed dialogue and mutual goodwill”, Jerzy Buzek said when addressing the parliament of Serbia, in Belgrade. “It is in Serbia's interest today to step up efforts to normalise relations with Pristina”, he explained, adding: “You are very, and I underline this one more time, very close to the opening of the accession negotiations. The key requirement is to take concrete steps to normalise relations with Kosovo - and thereby become the region's frontrunner on the path of EU integration. (…) This will not be easy.”
Since March this year, talks under EU auspices have been “constructive” and resulted in agreements on several key issues, the European Parliament said. He went on to state: “It is important that these agreements are now implemented and that further constructive steps are made”. He described the new crisis and violence that has shaken northern Kosovo since July as “unacceptable to all of us”. “All sides need to play their part in defusing the tension in northern Kosovo and in providing long lasting solutions for peace and stability”, he said. (CG/transl.jl)