MFA thanks the countries that will amend position on Kosovo pending solution

NEWS 13.01.202315:28
Alexa Stanković / AFP

Serbia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Ivica Dacic said it is Serbia’s obligation to gradually align its foreign and security policy with that of the European Union (EU), but that a clear political sign that EU enlargement is alive and real is also needed.

Speaking at a Serbian New Year reception for Government members and the diplomatic corps, Minister Dacic said it was inappropriate to expect steps in aligning with EU foreign and security policy “when there is no concrete progress, and readiness to accept new EU members is thrown into question.”

He said this is happening at a time when Serbia’s territorial integrity and sovereignty are threatened, that is, when Serbia is faced with double standards regarding the preservation of territorial integrity and sovereignty.

The Minister noted that Serbia continued to work on aligning its visa system with EU standards and stressed that cohesion of EU members’ views regarding the enlargement policy is necessary.

Dacic emphasized that Serbia’s European path does not rule out cooperation with other countries and the fostering of relations with African, Asia-Pacific and South American countries.

The Minister said world peace is threatened, adding that the war in Ukraine has the features of a global conflict, and stressed that Serbia advocates peace and detent.

The preservation of its sovereignty and territorial integrity is Serbia’s priority, which defines its foreign policy activities, the Minister said, adding that Serbia is negatively surprised by the liberal and selective interpretation of international public law.

Dacic thanked the countries that are consistent in not supporting Kosovo’s unilaterally declared independence and those that amended their positions, as well as those that will amend them “pending a compromise and sustainable solution.”

The Kosovo issue can only be resolved through the Belgrade-Pristina dialogue, said the Minister. He reiterated that Belgrade’s “red lines” are that everything that has been signed needs to be implemented, including the UN Security Council Resolution 1244, the Brussels and Washington agreements, that Serbia can never recognize Kosovo’s independence or accept its UN membership and that the Kosovo Serbs’ full rights and safety must be ensured.