Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic said on Monday that he might agree to a Franco-German plan to normalize relations with Kosovo. “If the choice is that we impose sanctions or accept Kosovo’s accession to the United Nations, then I choose the path of compromise, however controversial it may be,” he said in a press conference on Monday evening.
Negotiators from Western countries have put Serbia in a dilemma: either accept the plan or suffer the consequences in the form of stopping negotiations to join the European Union and withdrawing foreign investment. Serbia must remain on track for EU membership. Otherwise, we lose out economically and politically.” “I will not accept that we are isolated.”
Belgrade submitted its application for EU membership in December 2009. Accession negotiations have continued since 2013.
Kosovo unilaterally declared its independence in 2008, something Serbia did not want to recognize. Tensions between the two countries have escalated recently. Roadblocks were set up and shootings took place.
normalization of relations
The German-French plan hopes to achieve normalization of relations between the two countries. For example, the plan involves both countries accepting each other’s borders. In practice, Serbia can no longer prevent Kosovo from joining international organizations.
If it came to that, it would be a breakthrough in the conflict. Vucic stressed that the matter has not yet reached this point. Ultimately, it is up to the Serbian parliament and “maybe the people too” to make the final decision.
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