Kosovo PM sets conditions for Community of Serb Municipalities

NEWS 02.02.202314:35
REUTERS/Johanna Geron/File Photo

Prime Minister Albin Kurti told the Kosovo Parliament that the Community of Serb Municipalities (CSM) can be formed only after a final agreement is reached with Belgrade.

He said that there are six conditions to form the CSM which, according to him, would have no executive powers. Kurti spoke about the talks with Belgrade even though that was not on parliament’s agenda on Thursday.

The Kosovo Prime Minister called European Union High Representative Josep Borrell to organize regular meetings frequently to reach a final agreement to normalize relations between Belgrade and Pristina.

According to Kurti, the CSM must conform to the Kosovo Constitution and laws, it can’t be a mono-ethnic community, has to change its name and can only operate in line with the law on local self-government. He added that the rights of national minorities and appropriate protection mechanisms have to be based on the principle of reciprocity between two states. Kurti also wants what he said are illegal structures in the north of Kosovo shut down with all illegal arms turned in.

The Kosovo Prime Minister said the CSM has to be part of a final agreement to be implemented following mutual recognition.

Kurti also called for the Serbian President to withdraw the letters he sent to European Union member states calling them not to allow Kosovo to join the EU.