Diplomat: Meeting in US should be introduction into continuation of Belgrade-Pristina dialogue

Photo: Tanjug/Tanja Valic

Diplomat Zoran Milivojevic has told RTS that the European Union has an interest in being engaged in resolving the Kosovo issue and that Belgrade has room to maneuver, because our arguments have strengthened.

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The diplomat told the RTS Dnevnik news program said that Miroslav Lajcak's visit and messages from the US were a confirmation of what had been announced with the initiative and engagement of the US regarding the collapse of the Kurti government, the new government in Pristina and new government measures aimed at continuing the dialogue.

"On the other hand, there is the appointment of Lajcak as a special envoy and the desire of the EU to reengage in the dialogue, bearing in mind that the last administration failed and that the EU has an interest in being engaged on this issue," he says.

Speaking about the role of Moscow in the upcoming dialogue, Milivojevic says that the role of Moscow in general in resolving the Kosovo issue cannot be circumvented, because that issue must be resolved in the UN Security Council.

"The role of Moscow is important to us, having in mind Moscow's position that a solution is possible on the basis of international law, on the basis of Resolution 1244 and respecting Serbian interests," the diplomat pointed out.

Zoran Milivojevic; Photo: Tanjug/Dimitrije Goll

According to him, there is confirmation that Washington's approach in resolving the problem is more pragmatic and that Richard Grenell's initiative will have a continuation.

Introductory meeting to continue the dialogue

The upcoming meeting in the White House, he says, should be an introductory meeting to the continue the dialogue, while the initiative is not surprising bearing mind what preceded it - everything was in line with what Washington wanted and started.

He says that he expects Grenell to continue with the economic package that relaxes relations, is suitable in some way and does not open the main question where the two sides hold opposing positions and based on which dialogue is not possible.

Richard Grenell; Photo: TANJUG/ DRAGAN KUJUNDZIC

"There will probably be talk about the realization of previous agreements, and some new package along the same lines, all in the service of creating an environment for political talks that may also have the status (of Kosovo) as the topic," said Milivojevic, adding that the dialogue will be accelerating until the US elections, and that it is certain it would suit the US administration and President Trump if they achieved some success.

What is the interest of the EU

When it comes to the EU, Milivojevic says there is significant acceleration, because the German presidency of the EU is upcoming, and it is in that country's chancellor's interest to end her political career in that way.

This is a tied arrangement, the interests of all parties are included, that is the reason for the acceleration, and it does not suit us when large countries want to solve something at any cost, Milivojevic pointed out.

"We have room for maneuver because our arguments have strengthened and because the situation in Pristina is unstable, and because in the Western bloc positions are opposed between Washington and Berlin, while there is resolve among our friends to protect our interests and arguments, these are Russia and China," Milivojevic said.

"The resolve on our side is that things can't be done without us and that the interest of the Serbian side must be kept in mind," concluded Milivojevic.

(Telegraf.rs)