Strasbourg, 18/04/2013 (Agence Europe) - Welcoming the possibility of concluding a stabilisation and association agreement (SAA) between the European Union and Kosovo, the European Parliament called on Pristina on 18 April to make efforts so that this SAA might be signed. This is a signature that MEPs consider as an important step towards European integration. In a resolution that MEPs adopted - a resolution developed by Ulrike Lunacek (Greens/EFA, Austria) - they call on the Kosovan authorities to attain the priority short-term objectives for opening negotiations on this SAA, in the area of the rule of law, minorities, trade and strengthening administrative capacities. The Parliament particularly emphasises the fight against corruption and organised crime with the EULEX mission, and is concerned by the lack of notable progress. MEPs urge the Kosovan authorities to improve the judicial system and they want progress on visas. The Parliament stresses the need to encourage active citizenship - especially through the strengthening of civil society and being watchful of the freedom of expression.
“Discrimination remains a major problem”, MEPs state, reiterating the importance of ensuring the equality of all citizens whatever their ethnic origin, sex, age, religion, sexual orientation or disability.
Hailing the dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina, MEPs call for the implementation of all the agreements concluded, and they re-affirm their support for the territorial integrity of Kosovo and the adoption of common solutions to outstanding issues. They call on the two parties to continue and to intensify talks so as to more quickly reach a mutually acceptable and viable solution for all the outstanding issues. The Parliament considers that the Kosovan authorities should take additional measures to open up to the Serb minority - particularly in the north, so as to fully integrate it.
Lastly, MEPs called on the five EU member states that have not recognised Kosovo to do so. (CG/transl.fl)