Brussels, 28/01/2016 (Agence Europe) - During the evening of Wednesday 28 January, High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Federica Mogherini stated that progress had been made at a new dialogue meeting between the prime ministers of Serbia and Kosovo, Aleksandar Vucic and Isa Mustafa respectively. Their meeting lasted for over three hours and took place “in a very good atmosphere” and “with a constructive approach”, during which the prime ministers reported on implementation of the agreements concluded as part of their dialogue in 2011 (see EUROPE 10500), 2013 (see EUROPE 10831) and 2015 (see EUROPE 11375), according to Mogherini.
She stated that the prime ministers “significantly advanced” on the implementation of the 2011 agreement on free movement, especially on the arrangements for car number plates. Both parties also decided to start discussions on air and rail connections between Kosovo and Serbia. According to Mustafa, who is quoted by Serbian news agency BETA, this would enable “flight times and costs to be reduced, particularly for the transport of goods by rail”.
Mogherini also said that “it was confirmed (…) the mutual acceptance of educational and professional diplomas and certificates is becoming a reality”. The acceptance of diplomas was the subject of an agreement in 2011 (see EUROPE 10500). “On this basis, students will be able to continue their studies and professionals will be able to improve their employment prospects, both in Serbia and in Kosovo”, she said.
The discussion also focused on the commitment of Serbia and Kosovo to work on implementing the agreement for the establishment of the association/community of Serb majority municipalities, based on agreements that have already been signed. While the Serbs are taking the agreements that have already been signed as a basis, the Kosovans are appealing for the opinion of the constitutional court. According to the head of the Serbian government's office for Kosovo, Marko Djuric, who is quoted by Serbian television broadcaster B92, the meeting gave rise to “great hopes” as to the fact a start could be made on drafting legislation on the implementation of this association. However, in a statement reported by B92, Mustafa said that said there was no date set for drafting this legislation. Scarcely out of the meeting, Djuric accused Mustafa of “not interpreting [the results of the meeting] correctly”, particularly with regard to the Serb majority municipalities.
According to a Serbian government press release, the parties also discussed the next general elections in Serbia. The Kosovan prime minister warned that the elections, which could take place in the spring, would also be organised on Kosovan territory for the Serbs, but under Kosovan law. “We will respect Serbs' rights to vote, but under Kosovo laws”, he said, quoted by Serbian news agency Tanjug. (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)