Frmr. diplomat: Serbia must acknowledge new reality

Zivorad Kovacevic says it is unacceptable for Serbia to break off ties with the European Union. The former diplomat, now chairman of the Foreign Policy Council, and president of the European Movement in Serbia, says Belgrade must not react by cutting off the diplomatic ties with Brussels in any scenario, even if most members recognize the independence of Kosovo, which Serbia says is illegal. Frmr. diplomat: Serbia must acknowledge new reality Kovacevic, who said this was his private opinion and not that of the council, told B92 that the citizens and government are headed for a month of political uncertainty, which will bring with it many surprises, "some unpleasant". He added Serbia will have to react to Kosovo Albanians' declaration, but also to "recognize a new reality". "Some measures will be taken against those countries that recognize Kosovo. However, the span of these measures is wide. It is one thing if you only temporarily withdraw ambassadors and thus demonstrate your dissatisfaction, while breaking off the diplomatic ties is another story altogether," Kovacevic says. He added that Serbia "must not find itself in a situation where it nears any kind of international isolation." "The mission will be sent, Kosovo declares independence, the biggest western powers immediately recognize Kosovo, while others – the EU will not insist or force them to join this recognition," Kovacevic concluded.

Frmr. diplomat: Serbia must acknowledge new reality

Kovačević, who said this was his private opinion and not that of the council, told B92 that the citizens and government are headed for a month of political uncertainty, which will bring with it many surprises, "some unpleasant".

He added Serbia will have to react to Kosovo Albanians' declaration, but also to "recognize a new reality".

"Some measures will be taken against those countries that recognize Kosovo. However, the span of these measures is wide. It is one thing if you only temporarily withdraw ambassadors and thus demonstrate your dissatisfaction, while breaking off the diplomatic ties is another story altogether," Kovačević says.

He added that Serbia "must not find itself in a situation where it nears any kind of international isolation."

"The mission will be sent, Kosovo declares independence, the biggest western powers immediately recognize Kosovo, while others – the EU will not insist or force them to join this recognition," Kovačević concluded.