Lajčak, Escobar and other diplomats arrive in Belgrade after Kosovo

(Patria) - EU Dialogue Representative Miroslav Lajčak, US Envoy for the Western Balkans Gabriel Escobar, and diplomatic advisors to the leaders of France, Germany and Italy, after a visit to Pristina, arrived in Belgrade. Lajčak stated in Pristina that he has a plan for continuing the dialogue, adding that he cannot reveal details.

Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti thanked the five for their visit and emphasized that the priority and urgent issue is the security of Kosovo and its citizens, but, as he said, also the border and territory, according to a statement from Kurti's cabinet.

"After the terrorist and criminal attack on September 24, carried out by paramilitary groups with the sponsorship and participation of Serbia, punishment is key to prevent a recurrence," the statement said.

The meeting discussed the normalization of relations, specifically the implementation of the basic agreement and its annex for implementation.

Miroslav Lajčak noted that the events of September 24 "very clearly underscored that de-escalation and normalization are now more urgent than ever."

"Any conditions or delays are unacceptable, and we also expect Kosovo and Serbia to fully fulfill their obligations from the dialogue," Lajčak said in Pristina.

With Kurti and his first deputy Besnik Bislimi, as he reported, they had a deep and substantive meeting on how to advance the process of normalizing relations and make progress in implementing the past agreement on normalization.

"We carefully listened to Prime Minister Kurti's presentation and views, as well as his concerns regarding the security situation in northern Kosovo. I want to say that the terrorist attack on the Kosovo Police by armed individuals represents a clear and unprecedented escalation. We expressed our condolences to the Prime Minister and strongly condemn the attack of September 24. We emphasized very clearly that all perpetrators must be brought to justice and we expect full cooperation from Serbia and concrete actions in this regard. The events of September 24 do not negate or change the fact that Kosovo and Serbia accepted the agreement on the path to normalization earlier this year," he added.

Lajčak reiterated Pristina's commitment to establish the Community of Serb-majority municipalities.

"As Prime Minister of Kosovo, Prime Minister Albin Kurti has an obligation to make progress in the process of normalizing relations if Kosovo wants to advance on its path to the EU. Here we must emphasize the need for progress in establishing the Community of municipalities with a Serb-majority population in Kosovo without further delay. Without this, there will be no progress on Kosovo's path to the EU," Lajčak said.

He praised Prime Minister Kurti's readiness to "continue talks" soon and added that there is no alternative to dialogue.