Brussels, 25/10/2012 (Agence Europe) - On Thursday 25 October, British Foreign Secretary William Hague called for Kosovo and Serbia to continue their dialogue, which he described as “essential” for these countries to move closer to the EU. “Dialogue between Serbia and Kosovo on normalising relations is essential for both countries as they move towards EU integration. I welcome the recent meeting (on 19 October) facilitated by Baroness Ashton, and urge all sides to maintain the momentum”, he said in a press release after his meeting with Kosovar Prime Minister Hashim Thaçi, adding that he would make the same comment to Serbian Prime Minister Ivica Dacic.
According to AFP, Thaçi said that “we must be realistic and not wait for Serbia's recognition of Kosovo in the days, weeks and months to come”, but he considered that the dialogue will lead to this recognition of independence by all the member states - which Spain, Romania, Greece, Cyprus and Slovakia have not done.
Kosovo's progress on its European track.
Hague also welcomed the EU's commitment to open negotiations on a stabilisation and association agreement - “a new chapter in EU-Kosovo relations is opening” - he said, adding that “this will be the first milestone in Kosovo's journey towards eventual EU membership”. Hague welcomed Pristina's impressive progress since proclaiming its independence in 2008. He called for the continuation of reforms and urged the government to take visible measures to stretch out their hand to those who feel marginalised, including the Serbian minority. (CG/transl.fl)