On Thursday 26 April, European Council President Donald Tusk underlined the importance of political consensus in Kosovo at a time when tension is high in the Kosovar Parliament.
Speaking at a press conference with Kosovo's President Hashim Thaçi and hailing the recent ratification of the border demarcation agreement with Montenegro, which "put Kosovo one step closer to visa free travel to (the) European Union", Tusk said this ratification, which was extremely difficult, "was also proof that cross-party cooperation is possible on issues of vital interest to all Kosovars" (see EUROPE 11987). "Fighting organised crime and corruption to be effective, also needs political consensus in Kosovo", he warned.
As in Serbia the previous day (see other article), Tusk reiterated the importance of normalising relations between Belgrade and Pristina and full implementing the agreements achieved. Without this, "I do not see how a breakthrough in relations with the EU could be achieved", he said. "This is a difficult and emotionally charged issue for both sides. But there is no viable alternative to normalisation. In fact, it comes down to a strategic choice that I am 100% convinced will pay off in the long run", Tusk stated. (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)