Serbia closer to EU after latest Kosovo agreements

Serbia closer to EU after latest Kosovo agreements

2012-02-25 07:44:56 GMT+7 (ICT)

BRUSSELS, Belgium (BNO NEWS) -- The European Union (EU) on Friday announced that the latest agreements reached in the Belgrade-Pristina dialogue bring Serbia and Kosovo closer to the EU. The implementation of the integrated management for crossing points (IBM) were described as a 'major step forward,' important for the stability of the region and for the EU.

As Serbia has constantly refused to recognize Kosovo's independence, which was declared in 2008, the agreements will now allow Kosovo to be able to participate in regional meetings and not be represented by the United Nations (UN) mission in Pristina. In addition, details regarding the management of Serbia and Kosovo's shared borders as well as border crossing were agreed on.

EU High Representative/Vice President Ashton congratulated both parties on these two agreements, adding that one puts into operational form the agreement on integrated management of crossing points, while the other consolidates regional cooperation and ensures that everyone is properly represented.

All EU Member States have supported to the United Nations General Assembly resolution of September 2010 launching the dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina, which targets aiding both parties achieve progress on their path to Europe.

The EU said that for Serbia, these agreements on regional cooperation and IBM are particularly significant in view of the deliberations in next week's Council regarding candidate status for the country.

As for Kosovo, this is important as it makes Kosovo a full participant in its own right in regional meetings and events and will allow for further progress to contractual relations with the EU.

The EU added that Kosovo will now follow the same European course as all others in the Western Balkans, in line with its European perspective. As a result, the Commission is proposing the launch of a feasibility study for a Stabilization and Association Agreement between Kosovo and the EU.

"The deal demonstrates a commitment on both sides to their common European future," Commissioner Füle stated. "Today's agreement also reinforces regional cooperation, good neighbourly relations and the Enlargement agenda in the Western Balkans region."

Meanwhile, U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton commended both governments for their 'flexibility and hard work,' and said that the agreements are consistent with Kosovo's independence, territorial integrity, and sovereignty, signaling that they also move Kosovo closer toward full European integration.

As the United States has expressed continued support for a complete integration of Europe, Clinton said the agreements will open the door to Serbia's EU candidacy. 

"Serbia's progress toward European integration is good for Serbia, good for Kosovo, and good for the future of the entire region," Clinton said. "We look forward to the continuation of the EU-facilitated Dialogue on other issues that impact the daily lives of the citizens of both countries."

-- © BNO News All rights reserved 2012-02-25