Lajčak with delegation at Kurti and Vučić: Implementation of the ZSO is a key element of stability

(Patria) - We agree that a frozen conflict is not a solution, said Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić after talks with the EU Special Representative for the Belgrade-Priština dialogue Miroslav Lajčak, US Special Envoy for the Western Balkans Gabriel Escobar, foreign and security policy advisors to the presidents of France and the German Chancellor, Emmanuel Bonne and Jens Pletner, and the diplomatic advisor to the President of the Italian Government, Francesco Talo. 

Vučić said after the meeting with international envoys that today was a very difficult, perhaps the most difficult conversation they have had.

"An open and serious discussion. What we agree on is that a frozen conflict is not a solution and that when you have a frozen conflict, it is only a matter of time before someone unfreezes it and when irresponsible individuals undermine the peace and stability of the entire Western Balkans," said Vučić.

He added that he was unequivocally confronted with problems and challenges that would be placed before Serbia "if we did not agree with today's plan."

"Under such conditions, we asked the quartet plus Miroslav Lajčak, i.e., the representatives of the USA, France, Germany and Italy, to help all of us in overcoming the turbulence we are facing in Kosovo and Metohija, and we believe it is high time to form the Community of Serbian Municipalities, which was not only promised but also signed 10 years ago, and that is a matter of urgency, because only after that is a conversation and return to institutions and some kind of normalization of the situation possible," said Vučić.

He noted that in the coming days and weeks he will hold consultations with members of the Government and Parliament and all significant social groups.

"That we are ready to accept the concept and work on the implementation of the proposed agreement, with the fact that I made one thing very clear and showed all concern and reservation on one important issue, on one important matter, because of course I cannot talk about it, because the proposal is not public," stated Vučić.

He said that "easy days are not ahead of us" and that there are "many difficult decisions."

"People should know that there are no nice or sweet conversations here, and the only thing I can say is that I really gave my all to preserve and protect Serbia, which I will continue to do for at least some time," Vučić stated at the end of his address to the media.

The EU Special Representative for the Belgrade-Priština dialogue Miroslav Lajčak said after the meeting with Vučić and other members of the "big five" that they had an intense and open meeting.

"President Vučić demonstrated a responsible approach and willingness to make difficult decisions in the interest of peace and the European perspective for Serbia. For us, the implementation of the ZSO is a key element of stability," said Lajčak.

He stated that they are convinced that the plan presented in September is the best way to normalize relations between Belgrade and Priština and the European integration of the region. 

"Our work will continue without delay," emphasized Lajčak.

The same delegation held a meeting today with Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti. Lajčak said the meeting was not easy but was open. 

In a brief statement to the media, Lajčak said that they discussed the European proposal for the normalization of relations between Kosovo and Serbia, which was already presented at meetings in September and December. He pointed out that a better understanding of this offer was expected, and expressed hope that full understanding and the "useful potential of this proposal" would be reached.

"We spent more than two hours with the Prime Minister. The meeting was long, it was not easy, but it was very sincere and open. It is early for any dramatic statements because, as you know, we are in the middle of the mission," said Lajčak.