Brussels, 15/04/2013 (Agence Europe) - High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton is visiting Montenegro this week, then Albania and the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM). “Further stops of the visit will be announced at a later stage”, said Ashton's spokeswoman, Maja Kocijancic, on Monday 15 April - without mentioning Serbia and Kosovo. The European Commission is due to present it reports on 16 April on these countries' European integration and is trying to mediate between Serbia and Kosovo in the normalisation of their relations.
According to a press release published on 14 April, Ashton is visiting the Balkans to “reinforce the EU's commitment” with a view to the future integration of the countries of the region to the European bloc. “I will encourage the leaders in the region to continue the reform process and promote good neighbourly relations”, she added. Ashton had deplored the decision announced on 8 April by Serbia not to sign an agreement with a view to normalising its relations with Kosovo, and had called on it to make a final effort (see EUROPE 10832). Belgrade has been under strong pressure since the last meeting in Brussels on 2 April under the patronage of the EU, which finished in failure. The Commission is due to adopt it evaluation reports on Serbia and Kosovo on 16 April and the Foreign Affairs Council will discuss this issue on 22 April. The normalisation of relations with Kosovo is a condition posed by the Commission for Serbia to be granted a date to begin its accession negotiations with the EU. (LC with CG/transl.fl)