Kosovo "best addressed at end of EU talks"

BELGRADE The EU holds different views on "whether Serbia should recognize Kosovo before it is admitted into the Union," says Alfred Gusenbauer. Austria's former chancellor, now special advisor to the Deputy Prime Minister Aleksandar Vucic spoke for the Belgrade-based daily Blic, to add that "we should not try to speculate on the result of negotiations that will certainly last for years." Kosovo "best addressed at end of EU talks" "I think it would be easier to solve the Kosovo issue at the end of the EU talks than at the beginning," Gusenbauer said. "We should not start with obstacles, but rather try to establish trust and a mutual feeling that things are changing for the better," he added. He points out that positive steps have already been taken to improve the image of Serbia, such as the Brussels agreement and the fight against corruption, but emphasizes that efforts must now be focused on the strengthening of institutions. He also points out that the business climate in the country should not be presented as better than it actually is, since the information can be easily checked. "The images in politicians' heads cannot change overnight. However, if you do a good job and carry out reforms, that shall result in a success," he says. If the EU wants to fulfill its mission and bring peace and stability to the countries of former Yugoslavia, the key thing is that Serbia joins the Union, he added. When asked to comment on the fact that German Chancellor Angela Merkel "does not seem happy to see Serbia in the EU," Gusenbauer replied that "perhaps it is so now, but it is difficult to assess what the situation shall be in a couple of years." Gusenbauer also pointed out to the "good cooperation with Vucic and his commitment to the right changes and long-term projects." (Tanjug, file) Blic Tanjug

Kosovo "best addressed at end of EU talks"

"I think it would be easier to solve the Kosovo issue at the end of the EU talks than at the beginning," Gusenbauer said.

"We should not start with obstacles, but rather try to establish trust and a mutual feeling that things are changing for the better," he added.

He points out that positive steps have already been taken to improve the image of Serbia, such as the Brussels agreement and the fight against corruption, but emphasizes that efforts must now be focused on the strengthening of institutions.

He also points out that the business climate in the country should not be presented as better than it actually is, since the information can be easily checked.

"The images in politicians' heads cannot change overnight. However, if you do a good job and carry out reforms, that shall result in a success," he says.

If the EU wants to fulfill its mission and bring peace and stability to the countries of former Yugoslavia, the key thing is that Serbia joins the Union, he added.

When asked to comment on the fact that German Chancellor Angela Merkel "does not seem happy to see Serbia in the EU," Gusenbauer replied that "perhaps it is so now, but it is difficult to assess what the situation shall be in a couple of years."

Gusenbauer also pointed out to the "good cooperation with Vučić and his commitment to the right changes and long-term projects."