20/01/2012 Political Affairs and Democracy
Strasbourg, 20.01.2012 - “The whole region is facing decisions which call for considerable responsibility and risks which can be tackled only by courageous leadership. Pro-European leaders should demonstrate that they are prepared to take on responsibility”, Council of Europe Parliamentary Assembly (PACE) rapporteur on the situation in Kosovo*, Björn von Sydow (Sweden, SOC), said today at the end of a two day visit to Belgrade.
While thanking all authorities for “the warm welcome, openness and the respect and constructive attitude” shown, the rapporteur recommended that the Serbian authorities pursue the EU-facilitated Belgrade-Pristina Dialogue with Pristina “based on a pragmatic approach focusing on the needs and security of the citizens” and, in this connection, facilitate participation by the representatives of Kosovo in the relevant international and regional bodies.
“Communication between the two parties is not easy but it is always better than none at all”, Mr von Sydow said. The EU-facilitated Belgrade-Pristina Dialogue is clearly an important element in a historic process and context, but it is not the only one. “Other bi- and multi-lateral discussions may also prove to be constructive and fruitful. The EU-facilitated Belgrade-Pristina Dialogue is important in its own right and not simply in the context of EU integration”, he added.
Negotiated settlements always require the involvement and goodwill of all parties, and their readiness to reach compromises, he stressed. “Agreements reached in this Dialogue need to be fully respected and implemented by both parties. This will be a powerful incentive for increasing mutual trust. This will allow both Belgrade and Pristina to move forward for the benefit of the entire region”, Mr von Sydow underlined.
“We must find ways to deepen consultation and exchanges with the Kosovo Serb community as a whole, which as PACE rapporteur I started in November 2011 by meeting in North Mitrovica with the 4 municipal presidents and which I will pursue in the coming months, in the framework of the preparation of my report. I very much hope that Kosovo Serbs in the North and the rest of Kosovo will be cooperative and will not obstruct the entire process”, the rapporteur added.
“Last but not least - he concluded - IDPs and missing persons from both sides should remain high on the agenda. Renewed efforts and cooperation are needed to share information on the fate of the missing regardless of the group to which they belong”.
During his visit, Mr von Sydow met the Speaker of the Parliament, the Prime Minister, the Ministers for Foreign Affairs, Interior and for Kosovo and Metohjia, the members of the Serbian delegation to PACE, the President of the Commission for missing persons, as well as ambassadors and representatives of the international community, local NGOs, and the chief negotiator in the EU-facilitated Belgrade-Pristina Dialogue.
*All reference to Kosovo in this text, whether to the territory, institutions or population, shall be understood in full compliance with United Nations Security Council Resolution 1244 and without prejudice to the status of Kosovo.