Kosovo, EU “two separate processes”

Former Stability Pact for South Eastern Europe Coordinator Erhard Busek says that Kosovo and the EU integration are two separate processes. He added that Serbian politicians spoke about the issue differently abroad and in Serbia. Kosovo, EU “two separate processes” “(Serbian Interior Minister Ivica) Dacic is saying one thing today and the other the next day. As far as (President Boris) Tadic is concerned, there is a problem there too. He has a very narrow view of the EU pathway. And then he says he has varous options with China, Russia... You cannot sit in two chairs at the same time,“ Busek explained. He added that “the EU accession is one thing and the other is to defend Serbian interests in Kosovo”. “I think that Serbian politicians need a reality check,” Busek told daily Blic. When asked whether he was still in favor of partition of Kosovo, the former Stability Pact for South Eastern Europe coordinator said that he had never advocated the idea and that he “was asked to propose the idea in order to launch a discussion”. “The partition of Kosovo and Metohija would not be a good example for other countries in the region because it could affect other countries’ borders,” he pointed out. Busek also expressed belief that Serbia would get the EU candidate status in March if the situation in Kosovo was stable. “However, politics is unpredictable and various things can happen. An election campaign is underway in Serbia and many decisions will depend on it,” he underscored. Erhard Busek (wikipedia.org)

Kosovo, EU “two separate processes”

“(Serbian Interior Minister Ivica) Dačić is saying one thing today and the other the next day. As far as (President Boris) Tadić is concerned, there is a problem there too. He has a very narrow view of the EU pathway. And then he says he has varous options with China, Russia... You cannot sit in two chairs at the same time,“ Busek explained.

He added that “the EU accession is one thing and the other is to defend Serbian interests in Kosovo”.

“I think that Serbian politicians need a reality check,” Busek told daily Blic.

When asked whether he was still in favor of partition of Kosovo, the former Stability Pact for South Eastern Europe coordinator said that he had never advocated the idea and that he “was asked to propose the idea in order to launch a discussion”.

“The partition of Kosovo and Metohija would not be a good example for other countries in the region because it could affect other countries’ borders,” he pointed out.

Busek also expressed belief that Serbia would get the EU candidate status in March if the situation in Kosovo was stable.

“However, politics is unpredictable and various things can happen. An election campaign is underway in Serbia and many decisions will depend on it,” he underscored.