Lajcak: Serbia, Kosovo Showing Dedication to Dialog

Miroslav Lajcak (AP Photo/Vadim Ghirda)

Miroslav Lajcak, the European Union's representatives for the Belgrade-Pristina dialog, has said that both sides were demonstrating dedication to the negotiations and said he was optimistic because both realized this was in their interest.

During a video conference organized by the School of Advanced International Studies of the Washington-based Johns Hopkins University, Lajcak reiterated the expectation that the agreement on comprehensive normalization of relations between Belgrade and Pristina could be reached within the next few months, the Voice of America reported late on Nov. 19.

When there was no dialog, there was instability, Lajcak said, adding that, now that the two sides were talking, there was the impression that things are under control. He further stated that the dialog could not be bypassed, as the two sides want a European future and they know the only way to do that is through dialog.

Asked if and how a solution could be found to satisfy both sides' expectations, as Pristina wants mutual recognition while Serbia is wondering if and what it can get, Lajcak said there were three sides deciding on the resolution.

I'm in touch with everyone, including EU member states, because the EU has a say here. We don't want to have winners and losers because we want everyone to be a winner, Lajcak said.

Lajcak said territorial exchange was no longer a topic in the dialog, adding that it had sparked negative reactions across the region.