SNS leader calls for agreement on Kosovo

Opposition SNS party leader Tomislav Nikolic says there should be agreement among relevant political factors about the fate of Kosovo. Should that idea include giving up on some jurisdiction related to Kosovo, a referendum must be called to change the Constitution, he said on Thursday. SNS leader calls for agreement on Kosovo As for his party's plan to solve the Kosovo issue, he said it would be revealed "after elections have been scheduled". The Progressives noted that "creative solutions", such as integrated border control, required a referendum to change the Constitution. "What is the current government suggesting when they say a sustainable solution must be found, acceptable to both side, what would that solution be, and if we put it forward, would it represent abandoning of the Serbian Constitution?," wondered Nikolic. Announcements that they would solve the Kosovo problem in a referendum was seen by many as the party's desire not to be carry the responsibility for solving the issue alone. "On the day the elections have been called, everyone will have to say what their solution for Kosovo is, if they win. That will be a chance both for those in government now and the SNS to present their actions. This only suggests that we are ready to discuss anything with the citizens of Serbia," said Belgrade negotiating team chief Borislav Stefanovic. The current state policy came as a result of consultations with all political parties, the Church and NGOs, he continued. Stefanovic also stated that "the citizens will certainly have their say", although he considers the SNS initiative to call a referendum as yet another instance where the party is "avoiding to reveal its Kosovo policy". Tomislav Nikolic (file) B92

SNS leader calls for agreement on Kosovo

As for his party's plan to solve the Kosovo issue, he said it would be revealed "after elections have been scheduled".

The Progressives noted that "creative solutions", such as integrated border control, required a referendum to change the Constitution.

"What is the current government suggesting when they say a sustainable solution must be found, acceptable to both side, what would that solution be, and if we put it forward, would it represent abandoning of the Serbian Constitution?," wondered Nikolić.

Announcements that they would solve the Kosovo problem in a referendum was seen by many as the party's desire not to be carry the responsibility for solving the issue alone.

"On the day the elections have been called, everyone will have to say what their solution for Kosovo is, if they win. That will be a chance both for those in government now and the SNS to present their actions. This only suggests that we are ready to discuss anything with the citizens of Serbia," said Belgrade negotiating team chief Borislav Stefanović.

The current state policy came as a result of consultations with all political parties, the Church and NGOs, he continued.

Stefanović also stated that "the citizens will certainly have their say", although he considers the SNS initiative to call a referendum as yet another instance where the party is "avoiding to reveal its Kosovo policy".