"Uncertainty could destabilize region"

German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier says action needs to be taken regarding the Kosovo status. He said that uncertainty regarding the province's future status could destabilize the region. "Uncertainty could destabilize region" “After another round of negotiations and a lack of agreement on Kosovo’s status, not doing anything cannot be a solution either. A lasting uncertainty could destabilize the region,” the top German diplomat told daily Blic. Steinmeier said that it is now a 'joint task to prevent any new violence and secure stability, which goes for Serbia as well.” “A solution for the Kosovo status is firstly a European question. We want to achieve in the Western Balkans what we have achieved in the rest of the European Union – peace, stability and prosperity,” Steinmeier said. Responding to Serbia’s stance against a EU mission arriving the Kosovo without a new resolution from the United Nations Security Council, Steinmeier said that Belgrade “should not reject such a mission,” because it will work on developing structures for the rule of law, which Serbs and other non-Albanians will benefit from. Steinmeier also said that Serbia’s European integration and Kosovo’s status should be seen as two different issues. He concluded that the speed of European integration will depend on Serbia’s efforts made in the process.

"Uncertainty could destabilize region"

“After another round of negotiations and a lack of agreement on Kosovo’s status, not doing anything cannot be a solution either. A lasting uncertainty could destabilize the region,” the top German diplomat told daily Blic.

Steinmeier said that it is now a 'joint task to prevent any new violence and secure stability, which goes for Serbia as well.”

“A solution for the Kosovo status is firstly a European question. We want to achieve in the Western Balkans what we have achieved in the rest of the European Union – peace, stability and prosperity,” Steinmeier said.

Responding to Serbia’s stance against a EU mission arriving the Kosovo without a new resolution from the United Nations Security Council, Steinmeier said that Belgrade “should not reject such a mission,” because it will work on developing structures for the rule of law, which Serbs and other non-Albanians will benefit from.

Steinmeier also said that Serbia’s European integration and Kosovo’s status should be seen as two different issues.

He concluded that the speed of European integration will depend on Serbia’s efforts made in the process.