President Hashim Thaci said that a ‘correction’ of Kosovo’s border with southern Serbia, not partition of the country along ethnic lines, will be a factor in Pristina’s final deal on normalising relations with Belgrade.
Hashim Thaci told an extraordinary press conference on Wednesday that a deal might be reached with Belgrade for the predominantly Albanian municipalities of southern Serbia – Presevo, Medvegja and Bujanovac – to become part of Kosovo.
“This does not mean partition of Kosovo, a territorial swap, or autonomy for Serbs [in north Kosovo], but a correction of the border and recognition and membership for Kosovo in all international mechanisms,” said Thaci.
My proposal for a peaceful solution with Serbia is clear: no partition along ethnic lines, but yes to the border adjustment and mutual recognition. — Hashim Thaçi (@HashimThaciRKS) 6 August 2018
My proposal for a peaceful solution with Serbia is clear: no partition along ethnic lines, but yes to the border adjustment and mutual recognition.
— Hashim Thaçi (@HashimThaciRKS) 6 August 2018
Critics argue that ‘border corrections’ will divide the two countries along ethnic lines and destabilise the region, although Thaci has described claims that he was suggesting a partition of Kosovo as “fake news”.
Over 30 NGOs from Kosovo and Serbia called on the European Union on Tuesday to make an explicit statement against partition and the exchange of territories.
Exchange of teritories between #Kosovo & #Serbia (now called “border correction”) is not a solution. Its a recipe for long-term disaster. Allowing Vucic-Thaci to redraw maps will condemn the whole Balkans to live the next few decades in conflict. Solution is in EU, not out of it! — Agron Bajrami (@AgronBajrami) 4 August 2018
Exchange of teritories between #Kosovo & #Serbia (now called “border correction”) is not a solution. Its a recipe for long-term disaster. Allowing Vucic-Thaci to redraw maps will condemn the whole Balkans to live the next few decades in conflict. Solution is in EU, not out of it!
— Agron Bajrami (@AgronBajrami) 4 August 2018
Thaci’s proposal will probably be discussed next month when the two presidents of Kosovo and Serbia resume their talks in Brussels.
Calling the current phase of the talks with Serbia “difficult” but “necessary”, Thaci said that “we should use every opportunity to reach a historic deal through dialogue”.
Thaci also promised the establishment of the Association of Serb Municipalities – an issue which has raised tensions between Kosovo and Serbia – the draft statute for which was due to be completed on August 4.
The team that submitted the draft statute is expected to request legal changes for the association, which is to represent Serbs’ interests in Kosovo, to have powers over various sectors of education, health and the economy.
For more read the full of article at The Balkaninsight
