Germany not asking Serbia to recognize Kosovo - ambassador

Germany not asking Serbia to recognize Kosovo - ambassador

"It is important for Serbia to become a part of the EU. And it is important that the process of EU accession and normalization of relations with Pristina proceed in parallel," he said.

The German diplomat added it was also "positive that both sides have shown a willingness to continue the process - we support that."

Dittmann also said that Germany was "committed to achieving a comprehensive European solution to the migrant crisis, and to preserving the Schengen Agreement."

That solution, he said, involves the elimination of the causes of the crisis in Syria, better protection of EU's external borders - i.e., the border between Greece and Turkey - and assistance to the countries in Syria's surroundings, and Turkey.

Dittmann was speaking for the N1 broadcaster on Tuesday when he "estimated that the migrant crisis is a major challenge for the EU, Germany, Balkan countries, and that there are no quick answers, while Germany wants the burden to be distributed fairly," Tanjug agency reported.

He added that this has to be done step by step, and described the cooperation with the Serbian government since the start of the migrant crisis as "excellent," and "the measures of the population and NGOs" as "impressive."

"Now it is important to reach a common solution. The German position remains unchanged," said Dittmann, adding that Berlin thinks the policy of closing national borders, which would jeopardize the Schengen regime, is not a solution.

Speaking about the Schengen zone, he stressed this was "one of the special values ​​of the EU" and that it was "very important to preserve it and not bring it into jeopardy."

As for relations between Serbia and Germany, the diplomat said they were "excellent on many levels - political, economic, cultural."

Dittmann reiterated that Germany supports Serbia's commitment and strategic decision to become a member of the EU and wants to be there on this path as "a reliable and honest partner."

"In the European integration process Serbia has to adjust to EU's positions, including in terms of foreign policy. Good relations between Serbia and Russia are fine, but there are common positions of the EU that Serbia should adjust to step by step," he said when asked "what the EU expects from Serbia and whether Brussels is pressuring Belgrade to impose sanctions on Russia."

According to him, the fact Serbia is not fully aligned with the EU by not introducing sanctions against Russia is not slowing down its path towards the EU, because it has made a strategic decision to become a member of the Union.

"Serbia continues on the road to the EU and must adjust to its positions, that's a part of that road," said Dittmann.

Speaking about economic cooperation, Dittmann said that German companies operating in Serbia "feel good" and that there are plans to for new companies and new investments to arrive, including Tonnies - "while it is up to Serbia to work to continue with reforms and establishing the rule of law , primarily to fight against corruption and have a more efficient judiciary."