BRUSSELS, March 19 (KUNA) -- European Union High Representative Josep Borrell announced late Saturday that the leaders of Serbia and Kosovo have agreed on how to implement an EU-mediated deal to normalize their relations.
The European Union welcomes the Parties agreeing today on the implementation of the Agreement on the Path to Normalisation of Relations between Kosovo and Serbia, which is foreseen to become integral and binding part of the respective European paths of the Parties," Borrel said in a press statement.
The EU foreign policy chief noted that the two sides decided not to sign the deal, although they agreed to start implementing it. Therefore, he said, "the annex and the agreement are considered adopted." The agreement came after 12 hours of talks between Kosovar Prime Minister Albin Kurti, Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic and Borrell in Ohrid, North Macedonia.
"The EU considers the Parties agreeing today on the Implementation Annex of the Agreement, including agreeing on full implementation of obligations from past Dialogue agreements, as a significant achievement," said the EU statement.
The 11-point agreement calls on both sides to maintain good neighborly relations, and recognize each otherآ’s documents such as passports and car license plates.
"Kosovo and Serbia agree not to block implementation of any of the Articles," says the agreement.
The EU-led Belgrade-Pristina Dialogue was launched in 2011 to resolve disputes in the framework of a legally binding agreement.
Kosovo declared independence in 2008, but Serbia refuses to recognise it and considers Kosovo to be a part of its territory.
However, Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic told reporters after the meeting that "nothing is over today, it is just the beginning." On his part, Albanian Prime Minister Albian Kurti told reporters that, "this is a de facto recognition between Kosovo and Serbia". (end) nk.mt