Brussels, 09/12/2011 (Agence Europe) - On Thursday 8 December, the high representative of the EU for foreign affairs called on Kosovo and Serbia to continue their efforts in their dialogue and added that she was “impatient” to see new agreements, “particularly on regional cooperation”. “I have encouraged the prime minister of Kosovo to remain fully committed to the process, because it will be of vital importance for both sides to take new measures to achieve their European perspective”, she explained after meeting with Prime Minister of Kosovo Hashim Thaci. Catherine Ashton also welcomed the agreement between Pristina and Belgrade on the integrated management of the border crossing points (IBM) and highlighted “the importance of its swift implementation”. She reiterated the “important role of the EULEX mission for the future development of the rule of law in Kosovo” and urged Thaci to “ensure constant and full support for the work of EULEX”.
Ashton also stressed the need for Kosovo to continue and step up its reform efforts. She congratulated the country on the forthcoming launch of dialogue on visas, the EU's willingness to make progress on trade-related issues and on Kosovo's involvement in EU programmes. (CG/transl.fl)