The International non-governmental organization Project on Ethnic Relations (PER) has organized the conference entitled “The future of interaction between Kosovo and Serbia.
" Below you can read a speech of the President of Independent Liberal Party, Slobodan Petrović, on this subject:
Dear participants – this topic, namely this process is really complicated due to the fact that interaction between Kosovo and Serbia exists, However this interaction goes on the wrong course and at is developed throughout all time by the international mediation. To me, the democracy means resolution of disputes and finding of right path through dialogue.
Serbia and Kosova have not founded and strengthened this real path. The future interaction should be sincere. The future interaction should be pragmatic and transparent.
The hitherto talks were not open even though both parties had the point of view that “talks are for the benefit of citizens”.
Then different interpretations of the agreements were given by both parties, causing overall panic among the citizens. The hitherto talks were in particular difficult for Kosovo Serbs, who due to new regulation on new registration plates are forced to limit their trips. In addition to the payment of insurances, Serbs are also confused as regards to different messages from Belgrade and Prishtina, because they don’t know what agreements have been reached. Moreover, this is the key to all our relations: how sincere are we before the same citizens for the benefit of whom the talks are developed.
Moreover, Albanians who want to travel freely to the entire region, including Serbia shall need to go through bureaucratic procedures. Imagine, one Albanian with KS registration plates going to Serbia. He/she will need to have a special reason, e.g. illness or any emergent situation in order to travel through Serbia.
Is this all that I have mentioned a freedom of movement? On the other hand, have both parties included Kosovo Serbs in this process and how much they were pro-active towards the Kosovo Serbs? This is one of the failures in the talks, because their participation will for sure contribute to the better interaction between Serbia and Kosova. It is very important to leave the past behind and run towards the European integrations, because this the only way out from this current situation. We should have into consideration these European values, while building relationships. Were these values taken into consideration when the agreement on freedom of movement has been reached? I wouldn’t say so….in this direction I would address a critic to the representatives of the European Union, who have confirmed the agreement.
I addition, I am reproachful that the EU representatives are not active in the explanation of agreement for those who did not understand it instead of those who agreed not to reveal it. Both governments should decrease the expenditures for insurance.
Government of Kosova has made the first step, and now it is up to the Government of Serbia to do the same. I would mention another reproach regarding the representative of the Government of Serbia, namely they representative in the talks who gives statements that are very dangerous. For example, Mr. Stefanović says that agreement on registration tables shall not apply to the North of Kosova.
Is this possible? If yes, why? I have never heard that special talks are being developed in the North and special talks are being developed in the South. These are dangerous matters, and if you say that someone is misusing the agreements, then you should bring facts what was misused! My absolute message shall be: less politics and sincere work for the benefit of the citizens who live in complicated conditions for years.
Thank you for your attention and I look forward to hear and receive more good proposals for future relation of Serbia and Kosova, because any contribution or good idea is more than necessary.