Brussels, 28/08/2013 (Agence Europe) - The meeting on implementing the 19 April agreement between the prime ministers of Serbia and Kosovo, Ivica Dacic and Hashim Thaçi respectively, ended without bringing any “great results” on 27 August, but “it is about a step forwards in implementing the agreement”, said Dacic. This 15th meeting came to an end without agreement on the telecoms and energy issues. According to European sources, Kosovo wants an independent telephone code (+383), while Serbia wants to maintain its operators in the north, with the Serbian code (+381). Similarly, Pristina wants an independent electricity supply system, while Belgrade wants its own electricity distribution company to continue in the north. Explaining that progress has been made in these domains, Thaçi said that “more consultations on the technical level” are needed. In Dacic's view, Belgrade and Pristina have brought their positions closer together but “these are complex issues where technical and political questions are closely linked to the issue of ownership”. On 24 July, Dacic was hoping for an agreement in “7-10 days” (see EUROPE 10896).
Dacic and Thaçi also discussed the municipal elections planned for 3 November. In a press release, Ashton said that the two prime ministers had reiterated their commitment with a view to the success of the elections with the greatest turnout possible and confirmed that they would continue their intensive preparations for the good conduct of the electoral process. Dacic stated that he had agreed that the deadline for depositing the list has been prolonged in order to allow greater participation from Serbians. He also announced that no agreement had been found on the form that the ballot papers will take, with Belgrade likely to insist on neutrality for the ballot papers (with no Kosovo logo). Dacic said that the issue will be examined over the coming days.
The ministers will meet again on Sunday 8 September. (CG/transl.fl)