The President of Kosovo, Vjosa Osmani, and her German counterpart, Frank-Walter Steinmeier, have agreed that there is a “special momentum” in the dialogue between Kosovo and Serbia after the European proposal for the normalization of relations.
Osmani and Steimeier, in the telephone conversation held on February 21, discussed the dialogue between Kosovo and Serbia, which is mediated by the European Union, and the integration process of Kosovo.

“President Osmani emphasized that Kosovo remains committed and constructive to a process [of dialogue] that contributes to lasting peace and stability in the region”, it is stated in the announcement of the Presidency of Kosovo.

Last year, Kosovo and Serbia received an EU proposal for the normalization of relations, which was also known as the Franco-German proposal. This proposal also has the support of the United States.

The European proposal has not been made public, but the parties have declared that they accept it.

In a draft seen by Radio Free Europe, there is no specific mention to mutual recognition, but equal rights for Kosovo and Serbia, respect for territorial integrity, inviolability of borders, recognition of state symbols and a special arrangement are foreseen for the Serbian community in Kosovo.
It is expected that the Prime Minister of Kosovo, Albin Kurti, and the President of Serbia, Aleksandar Vucic, will discuss this proposal on February 27, in the new round of talks at the highest political level.

The dialogue for the normalization of relations between Kosovo and Serbia started in 2011 under the mediation of the EU. However, the parties have different attitudes regarding the end of the process. Kosovo insists that a final agreement should include mutual recognition, while Serbia says that recognition is a red line, seeking a compromise solution, without indicating what kind of compromise it is.

/k.s/