The leaders of Kosova and Serbia will have to make “difficult compromises” to resolve outstanding issues and normalize their relations, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken wrote.

US and EU envoys are pressing the countries to adopt a peace plan presented in mid-2022, under which Belgrade would stop lobbying against Kosova to have a seat in international organizations, including the United Nations, while Kosova will have to commit to the formation of an association of municipalities with a Serbian majority according to the proposals.

“I am confident that the normalization of relations between Serbia and Kosova will bring security and prosperity to Serbia and all the citizens of the Western Balkans. Of course, Serbian and Kosovar leaders will make difficult compromises to achieve these goals, but the rewards for the Serbian people and the entire region will be great,” Blinken said during a congratulatory statement for Serbia that marked her Statehood Day.

Both Belgrade and Prishtina have accepted the EU plan in principle, saying it is a good basis for further negotiations. The normalization of relations with Kosova is a key condition for Serbia’s advancement to EU membership.

Blinken also urged Serbia to support Ukraine against Russia’s unprovoked, unjustified and brutal aggression.

/a.p./