Diplomatic spat between Skopje and Belgrade "surprised EU"

Diplomatic spat between Skopje and Belgrade "surprised EU"

The German politician, who currently heads EP's Foreign Affairs Committee, added that the most important thing was for a permanent process of dialogue to exist between Belgrade and Skopje.

McAllister also said that he spoke about the recent controversy with Serbian officials, and was told that the issue has been resolved. He specified that he discussed this with Serbian Foreign Minister Ivica Dacic on Thursday, but that he could not reveal any details, because the conversation was "confidential."

"It is obvious that Serbia was disappointed with certain actions that Macedonia has taken against Serbian diplomats. I think they have now clarified the situation, that both sides have changed their minds on this issue and I hope that we will not see a repeat of the steps or something like this happening again," he was quoted as saying by Tanjug.

According to him, the EU wants the states in this region to have good mutual relations.

Asked "whether he understands Serbia's interest in getting involved in Macedonia's political circumstances, and vice-versa," McAllister replied:

"I could not say what the reason for the Macedonian actions was, what motivated them to do such a thing, because I do not have the information. I think that all the countries of the Western Balkans should look ahead and that all Western Balkan countries should do their best not to block each other on their path toward membership in the European Union."

McAllister also described Serbia and Montenegro as being "first in line" for EU integration, but added that "all six states" have EU perspective.