Categories: Daniel Serwer

What Pristina wants

Gezim Visoka has tweeted in Albanian this Pristina-originated Framework for the Kosovo-Serbia Dialogue, published in Gazeta Express:

I. Principles

  1. Kosovo is an independent and sovereign state, and as such, participates in the dialogue for the normalization of relations with Serbia.
  2. Kosovo considers that the dialogue for normalization of relations with Serbia is led by European values and aims at creating good neighborly relationships between the two participating countries, as well as, strengthening regional peace and stability.
  3. Kosovo participates in the dialogue for the normalization of relations with Serbia, in accordance to the Ahtisari Package, guaranteed and supported internationally, which has served as the basis of Kosovo’s Declaration of Independence on February 17, 2008.
  4. Kosovo participates in the dialogue for the normalization of relations with Serbia, in accordance to the verdict of the International Court of Justice on 22 July 2010, which affirms Kosovo’s statehood as a sui generis case.
  5. Kosovo considers the dialogue for the normalization of relations with Serbia as a process that contributes to the overall stability and peace of the Western Balkans.
  6. Kosovo respects and is committed to implementing existing agreements from the dialogue for the normalization of relations with Serbia.
  7. Kosovo recognizes and respects, without any doubt, individual and community rights, codified the constitution of the Republic of Kosovo, in line with international rights and the European Union.
  8. Kosovo guarantees that any agreement which addresses the rights and interests of the Serbian community in Kosovo, will conform to the most advanced international and european standards.
  9. Kosovo aims to be part of euro-atlantic integrations.

II. Timeline

  1. Kosovo demands a clear timeline of the dialogue and an implementation schedule of agreements reached during the dialogue.
  2. The aforementioned schedule shall be respected by the negotiating actors and guaranteed by the mediators.
  3. The implementation of the dialogue outcomes is mandatory for the actors involved and guaranteed by international mediators, with clear conditions and responsibilities, including sanctions for failure to implement agreements.

III. Aims and Objectives of Kosovo in the Dialogue

  1. Kosovo seeks to finalize the process of normalizing relations with Serbia, in a long term plan that advances regional peace, good neighborly relations, and mutual respect.
  2. Kosovo aims, that through this dialogue, integration to Euro-atlantic structures will be easier.
  3. Kosovo respects Serbia’s aspirations to join the European Union.
  4. Kosovo seeks full membership to the United Nations.
  5. Kosovo desires mutual respect among the two countries, respecting each other’s integrity and sovereignty.
  6. Kosovo and Serbia shall join the European Union, without challenging each other, without any outstanding issues, and recognizing each other as two neighboring countries that respect European values, principles, and responsibilities.
  7. In function to the long term normalization of relations between the two countries, Kosovo and Serbia, should work towards reconciliation, deal with the violent past and crimes that were committed during the war in Kosovo.

IV. Red Lines

  1. Kosovo will not negotiate its statehood, sovereignty, and territorial integrity.
  2. Kosovo will not accept dialogue outcomes that violate individual rights and freedom, or those that belong to a group, community, or ethnicity.
  3. Kosovo does not accept a third layer of governance that challenges the functioning of its institutions.
  4. Kosovo will not accept outcomes that will create a negative precedent for peace and stability in the region.
Daniel Serwer

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Daniel Serwer
Tags: Balkans

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