D'Alema: Considerable developments over Kosovo

Italian Foreign Minister Massimo D'Alema was in Belgrade Tuesday where he met with Serbia's top officials.

Izvor: Beta

Wednesday, 24.10.2007.

09:41

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Italian Foreign Minister Massimo D'Alema was in Belgrade Tuesday where he met with Serbia's top officials. Speaking about the ongoing Kosovo status crises after meetings with Prime Minister Vojislav Kostunica and President Boris Tadic, D'Alema told a news conference that endeavors should at present focus on the negotiations conducted by the mediating Troika, rather than on possible scenarios that might follow afterwards. D'Alema: Considerable developments over Kosovo "It is important now to make progress in the process in order to bring the stands of the two parties closer," he said. "The negotiations are progressing well, the Troika endeavors are moving in the right direction and there have been considerable new developments," D'Alema continued. "The symbolic importance of Kosovo should not be underestimated," he said, but noted that "in line with its principles, Serbia does not accept Kosovo independence, but the Troika should pursue its endeavors for seeking a solution and present proposals that might produce answers at political and fundamental levels." "Italy advocates a solution acceptable to both parties. If such a settlement is found, a UN resolution and a solution in line with international law will be adopted," Tanjug news agency quoted the Italian diplomat. Later in the day, D'Alema was at the International Belgrade Book Fair, where he said that "Kostunica's principled opinion is against using the word independence," adding that he hopes Serbian officials can "see past words and grasp the essence of what the Troika is proposing to Serbia," Beta reported. D'Alema said that means a special relationship between Serbia and Kosovo and real guarantees for minorities in Kosovo, as well as Serbian historical and religious heritage in the province. According to the Italian minister, the issues that need to be considered are rules and the Troika proposal, which he believes is a major improvement in comparison to the Ahtisaari plan. Serbia's European integration, D'Alema went on to say, is not about friendship with Serbia but interests, referring to peace in the region. Stressing that the Troika's report to the UN Security Council is due by December 10, D'Alema said it is an "important date," adding he hoped progress will be made by then as "there is enough time, although everything hinges on will." Massimo D'Alema, left (FoNet)

D'Alema: Considerable developments over Kosovo

"It is important now to make progress in the process in order to bring the stands of the two parties closer," he said.

"The negotiations are progressing well, the Troika endeavors are moving in the right direction and there have been considerable new developments," D'Alema continued.

"The symbolic importance of Kosovo should not be underestimated," he said, but noted that "in line with its principles, Serbia does not accept Kosovo independence, but the Troika should pursue its endeavors for seeking a solution and present proposals that might produce answers at political and fundamental levels."

"Italy advocates a solution acceptable to both parties. If such a settlement is found, a UN resolution and a solution in line with international law will be adopted," Tanjug news agency quoted the Italian diplomat.

Later in the day, D'Alema was at the International Belgrade Book Fair, where he said that "Koštunica's principled opinion is against using the word independence," adding that he hopes Serbian officials can "see past words and grasp the essence of what the Troika is proposing to Serbia," Beta reported.

D'Alema said that means a special relationship between Serbia and Kosovo and real guarantees for minorities in Kosovo, as well as Serbian historical and religious heritage in the province.

According to the Italian minister, the issues that need to be considered are rules and the Troika proposal, which he believes is a major improvement in comparison to the Ahtisaari plan.

Serbia's European integration, D'Alema went on to say, is not about friendship with Serbia but interests, referring to peace in the region.

Stressing that the Troika's report to the UN Security Council is due by December 10, D'Alema said it is an "important date," adding he hoped progress will be made by then as "there is enough time, although everything hinges on will."

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