Belgrade, Priština voice opposite views on Kosovo visit

Serbia believes that Belgrade team chief Borislav Stefanovic’s visit to Kosovo was aimed at alleviating the Belgrade-Pristina negotiations. Kosovo, however, sees it as a step toward recognition of Kosovo's independence. Belgrade, Pristina voice opposite views on Kosovo visit The first visit of a Serbian official since Kosovo declared independence did not go witout incidents and various interpretations. Stefanovic, who spoke to head of Pristina's negotiating team Edita Tahiri and Deputy Prime Minister Hajredin Kuci, has denied that his visit represents a step toward recognition of Kosovo’s independence. Kosovo Prime Minister Hashim Thaci has stated that Stefanovic’s visit to Pristina is a beginning of new relations that are headed toward recognition of Kosovo as an independent state. “The dialogue is a representation of European values which has been launched in order to improve good neighborly relations with Serbia and other countries in the region. The dialogue is Kosovo's constitutional obligation. The Serbian officials' visit represents a beginning of new relations between Serbia and Kosovo and we can say that it is a begnning of recongition of Kosovo,“ he stressed. The Belgrade team chief has, on the other hand, denied the allegations. “We had an opportunity to present our views and try to solve problems in a, I would say, working and constructive atmosphere. Of course, without leaving our well-known position about Kosovo status. I think that it was not an obstacle to good talks, just like I think that it has been confirmed that the visit was not a state visit or that so-called Kosovo's independence is being determined,“ he pointed out. Stefanovic also said that he was sorry that the talks had been held in the shadow of riots, violence and two attacks on the Serbian delegation's car. “Our car was attacked twice and some objects were thrown at us, some boxes that dented our windshield. This primarily shows great division among political spectrum in Kosovo and that there are those who are against the dialogue, but I think that they cannot in any way stop the processes that started and which will lead toward solving of concrete problems,“ he explained. Kosovo police had to use tear gas in order to disperse Self-Determination Movement protesters. 15 police officers and six civilians were injured in yesterday's riots in Pristina. The Kosovo government has condemned the incidents. A smashed car with Belgrade license plates (Beta)

Belgrade, Priština voice opposite views on Kosovo visit

The first visit of a Serbian official since Kosovo declared independence did not go witout incidents and various interpretations.

Stefanović, who spoke to head of Priština's negotiating team Edita Tahiri and Deputy Prime Minister Hajredin Kuci, has denied that his visit represents a step toward recognition of Kosovo’s independence.

Kosovo Prime Minister Hashim Thaci has stated that Stefanović’s visit to Priština is a beginning of new relations that are headed toward recognition of Kosovo as an independent state.

“The dialogue is a representation of European values which has been launched in order to improve good neighborly relations with Serbia and other countries in the region. The dialogue is Kosovo's constitutional obligation. The Serbian officials' visit represents a beginning of new relations between Serbia and Kosovo and we can say that it is a begnning of recongition of Kosovo,“ he stressed.

The Belgrade team chief has, on the other hand, denied the allegations.

“We had an opportunity to present our views and try to solve problems in a, I would say, working and constructive atmosphere. Of course, without leaving our well-known position about Kosovo status. I think that it was not an obstacle to good talks, just like I think that it has been confirmed that the visit was not a state visit or that so-called Kosovo's independence is being determined,“ he pointed out.

Stefanović also said that he was sorry that the talks had been held in the shadow of riots, violence and two attacks on the Serbian delegation's car.

“Our car was attacked twice and some objects were thrown at us, some boxes that dented our windshield. This primarily shows great division among political spectrum in Kosovo and that there are those who are against the dialogue, but I think that they cannot in any way stop the processes that started and which will lead toward solving of concrete problems,“ he explained.

Kosovo police had to use tear gas in order to disperse Self-Determination Movement protesters. 15 police officers and six civilians were injured in yesterday's riots in Priština.

The Kosovo government has condemned the incidents.