The chief negotiators of Kosova and Serbia, Besnik Bislimi and Petar Petkovic are meeting today (September 17) in Belgrade as part of efforts to normalize relations between the two countries and resume dialogue.

The talks will begin with separate meetings between the negotiators and the EU Special Envoy for Dialogue, Miroslav Lajcak, who will later lead a trilateral meeting.

EU Commission spokesperson Peter Stano stated that the discussions will focus on advancing the implementation of the Ohrid Agreement and addressing other key issues affecting the normalization process between Prishtina and Belgrade.

Recent tensions have been fueled by Kosova’s decision to reopen the Ibër River bridge, close Serbian postal branches in the north, and ban the use of the Serbian dinar. These moves have deepened the divide between the two sides, sparking public disputes between Aleksandar Vucic of Serbia and Albin Kurti of Kosova.

Just days ago, Lajcak met with both negotiators, urging them to uphold previous agreements aimed at improving Kosova-Serbia relations. Belgrade remains firm in its refusal to recognize Kosova as a state, despite the Ohrid Agreement’s anticipated conclusion in March 2023, which foresees such recognition.

/a.p./