"Declaration Serbia's positive step"

The International Crisis Group (ICG) says the Serbian parliament declaration condemning the crime in Srebrenica was "a positive step". "The adoption of the resolution that condemns the crime in Srebrenica was a positive step forward, although the word 'genocide' was not explicitly mentioned," the international NGO's director for Europe, Sabine Frazier, was quoted as saying. "Declaration Serbia's positive step" When it comes to regional cooperation, she continued, "it is impossible without Serbia's participation, and some way must be found for both Serbia and Kosovo to take part in forums". "The adoption of the resolution has shown that after many years it can be spoken openly in Serbia about what happened during the war, and about Serbia's responsibility. In that sense, the resolution is an excellent move by the Serbian parliament." "The wording may not have been explicit, but everyone is clear on what it meant to say. The resolution has shown that Serbia can move forward. I hope the countries of the region will see this move as positive," continued Frazier. "We must find a way to have both representatives of Serbia and representatives of Kosovo at the same table in regional forums in the future. Spain will organize the EU-Western Balkans summit in Sarajevo in June and it will be very important for Serbia to attend," she continued. The ICJ representative also said that if Serbia were to miss the gathering, it would harm its interests as the regional leader. According to Frazier, "recognizing Kosovo is not a condition for Serbia's EU integration, and for that reason, it would be good if Serbia were to maintain good neighborly relations," and also, "not block Kosovo's further progress".

"Declaration Serbia's positive step"

When it comes to regional cooperation, she continued, "it is impossible without Serbia's participation, and some way must be found for both Serbia and Kosovo to take part in forums".

"The adoption of the resolution has shown that after many years it can be spoken openly in Serbia about what happened during the war, and about Serbia's responsibility. In that sense, the resolution is an excellent move by the Serbian parliament."

"The wording may not have been explicit, but everyone is clear on what it meant to say. The resolution has shown that Serbia can move forward. I hope the countries of the region will see this move as positive," continued Frazier.

"We must find a way to have both representatives of Serbia and representatives of Kosovo at the same table in regional forums in the future. Spain will organize the EU-Western Balkans summit in Sarajevo in June and it will be very important for Serbia to attend," she continued.

The ICJ representative also said that if Serbia were to miss the gathering, it would harm its interests as the regional leader.

According to Frazier, "recognizing Kosovo is not a condition for Serbia's EU integration, and for that reason, it would be good if Serbia were to maintain good neighborly relations," and also, "not block Kosovo's further progress".