Belgrade team chief Borislav Stefanović has stated the situation in northern Kosovo is now locked in a stalemate.
He explained that the Belgrade delegation had suggested several plans for a peaceful overcoming of the crisis but that they were not accepted by the international mediators.
Stefanović told Belgrade-based daily Press that the stalemate could be broken “if the citizens show wisdom, patience, rationality, but we cannot accept something that acts against the interests of Serbs.”
“This is a difficult position not only for us, but also for Priština and the international community, and there is room to find a solution through a dialogue. The citizens’ determination to protest peacefully leads to an acceptable solution,” the team head stressed.
He added that “in a situation of urgent issues at the Jarinje and Brnjak crossings, and shooting at unarmed people, we did not manage to talk with the Priština team about telecommunications, electric energy and regional forums.”
“There is no other topic other than resolving the situation at the Jarinje and Brnjak crossings. That is why we talked to Cooper (EU facilitator Robert) and Reeker (U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary for European and Eurasian Affairs Philip),” Stefanović pointed out.
“We have presented our arguments, concrete proposals and modalities to enable a free flow of goods and people, which will not include the presence of Kosovo customs officers. However, our positions did not match. They have a negative perception and a misconception that Serbia needs to accept the current situation caused by Priština’s unilateral moves, with the support of the international community,” Stefanović added.
“Both at the UN Security Council and in Brussels, we will continue insisting on talks with the international community aimed at finding a solution acceptable for both sides. Our hand is reached out, but before all we have to extinguish the fire in the north,” he was quoted as saying.
Source b92.net
