Dacic to US Ambassador: Agreement can’t depend on Kosovo’s CoE membership

“Dacic said that the overall success of the European proposal depends on the formation of the Community of Serbian Municipalities, as an obligation that was undertaken ten years ago with the signing of the Brussels Agreement. It is inadmissible that this step is conditioned by consideration of Pristina's request for membership in the Council of Europe, and Serbia harshly opposes such development of events,” a press release quoted him as telling the Ambassador.

He said that Belgrade will “maintain a constructive position regarding the European proposal and the implementation of the action plan with the aim of further normalising relations with Pristina but pointed out that for Serbia there are red lines that it will not give up on”.

The press release quoted Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield as calling for the implementation of the Ohrid agreement and adding that the US will continue to be actively engaged in supporting Serbia and Kosovo.

US mission to the UN spokesman Nate Evans said that the Ambassador underscored the importance of rapid implementation of both parties’ obligations under the agreement and reiterated the US commitment to support Serbia and Kosovo as they pursue a predictable and peaceful relationship. The Ambassador also congratulated Foreign Minister Dačić on the historic, legally binding normalization agreement reached by Serbia and Kosovo.