Dacic: There Is Not Even a Speck of Optimism Where Dialogue with Pristina Is Concerned

Ivica Dacic (Beta/Milan Obradovic)

Serbian Foreign Minister Ivica Dacic said on Nov. 26 that there was nothing good that would add even "a speck of optimism" regarding the future of the dialogue with Pristina, but rather only bad things when one heard the statements coming from Pristina.

"I think that few have done as much for the Serbian cause as (Ramush) Haradinaj and (Albin) Kurti have, because they have shown everyone that the Albanian side is the problem," Dacic told the Serbian Broadcasting Corporation.

In his words, until the international community puts pressure on Pristina no success can be expected in the dialogue, and the talks will not resume until the tariffs on Serbian imports are abolished.

When asked about international mediation of the dialogue, Dacic said that European foreign minister Josep Borrell was the one who should be at the post of high representative of the European Union and that he would be in charge.

"That whole story about some special representative for the dialogue, related to the Western Balkans, was initiated by the fact that there was dissatisfaction in some European countries, primarily Germany, with the way Federica Mogherini worked," said Dacic, answering a question about whether Slovak Foreign Minister Miroslav Lajcak will be appointed as a special representative.

As he put it, "in that regard it was said - since Borrell hails from a country that does not recognize Kosovo, it is good to find someone who would focus solely on that."

"I think it should be up to Borrell first, he will assess the situation and determine whether he should have a special representative at all, no one has determined that he will have a special representative," said Dacic, adding that this was information that had come "directly" from Borrell.

According to Dacic, if a special representative is appointed, it will probably be a former prime or foreign minister.

Asked about a declaration of military neutrality and political independence, to be adopted by Serbian MPs, Dacic said that it meant that "Serbia will lead a policy that will depend on nothing other than its own interests."

"That is the policy we are leading anyway," said Dacic.