Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said in Pristina that his visit to Serbia and Kosovo is a message that Italy supports both sides in reaching a compromise solution.

At a joint media conference following his meeting with Kosovo Foreign Minister Donika Gervalla-Schwarz Tajani said that he received a message from both parties that they are “ready to go forward” in the dialogue.

The Italian Minister welcomed the Pristina authorities’ decision to postpone for 48 hours the imposition of fines on vehicles with Serbia-issued license plates, but said that neither side should take unilateral action.

Tajani said he appreciates Kosovo’s decision on the 48-hour postponement, adding it is a sign of readiness.

“This morning I heard about Serbia’s readiness. Let us support this readiness. With its decision to postpone the imposition of fines Kosovo has proved that the dialogue will not be closed. That gives me hope and we have come to look for solutions. We do not take sides. We are in the middle, we must stay in the middle and look for solutions to the problems,” said Tajani.

He added that new problems should not be created in the Balkans because the region has “suffered enough.”

On Tuesday morning Tajani met in Belgrade with his Serbian counterpart Ivica Dacic.

Unilateral initiatives cannot lead to solutions to the problems, said Tajani following his meeting with Dacic, adding that he greatly appreciates the constructive attitude that Serbia showed at the talks within the Belgrade-Pristina dialogue held in Brussels on Monday.

We will do all in our power to alleviate tensions in this part of the Balkans, said the Italian Foreign Minister.