Belgrade, Priština “need to be more flexible“

U.S. Deputy Secretary of State William Burns says Belgrade and Pristina should have a more flexible approach in the talks regarding Kosovo’s representation. He told RTV Kosovo that this was the U.S. and Europe’s message. Belgrade, Pristina “need to be more flexible“ “The U.S. and European partners have said that they are asking both sides to have a more flexible and more constructive approach so Kosovo would be able to participate in the international and regional forums. We need to find a formula that is acceptable to everyone,” Burns pointed out. “The talks with Belgrade should be continued,” he added, pointing out that the people of Kosovo should decide what their national interest was. The U.S. official underscored that this was a sensitive and complicated issue and that representation of Kosovo at international meetings was important and that it was necessary to set a foundation for its cooperation with the EU. He noted that it was important for Kosovo to be represented equally as other states and that he had seen a lot of progress during his stay in Kosovo. Burns stressed that Kosovo had made great progress regarding human rights and freedoms, adding that the U.S. and Kosovo “have a strong friendship” and that his country “continues to support Kosovo’s independence and sovereignty”. He added that the U.S. wanted Kosovo to become an EU and NATO member. During the one-day visit to Kosovo Burns met with Kosovo President Atifete Jahjaga, Prime Minister Hashim Thaci and top KFOR and EULEX officials. He also visited the Gracanica monastery. Tanjug

Belgrade, Priština “need to be more flexible“

“The U.S. and European partners have said that they are asking both sides to have a more flexible and more constructive approach so Kosovo would be able to participate in the international and regional forums. We need to find a formula that is acceptable to everyone,” Burns pointed out.

“The talks with Belgrade should be continued,” he added, pointing out that the people of Kosovo should decide what their national interest was.

The U.S. official underscored that this was a sensitive and complicated issue and that representation of Kosovo at international meetings was important and that it was necessary to set a foundation for its cooperation with the EU.

He noted that it was important for Kosovo to be represented equally as other states and that he had seen a lot of progress during his stay in Kosovo.

Burns stressed that Kosovo had made great progress regarding human rights and freedoms, adding that the U.S. and Kosovo “have a strong friendship” and that his country “continues to support Kosovo’s independence and sovereignty”.

He added that the U.S. wanted Kosovo to become an EU and NATO member.

During the one-day visit to Kosovo Burns met with Kosovo President Atifete Jahjaga, Prime Minister Hashim Thaci and top KFOR and EULEX officials.

He also visited the Gračanica monastery.