Hill: Much work has to be done to achieve the normalization of Kosovo-Serbia relations

US Ambassador to Serbia Christopher Hill stated at the Belgrade Security Conference that significant work must be done to achieve the normalization of relations between Serbia and Kosovo.

Hill emphasized the importance of supporting the EU-led dialogue.

"It is very important to initiate these processes and create conditions for normalizing relations. But there is clearly much work to be done. This issue involves not only the current administration but also the next one, as it cannot be resolved immediately. A great deal of effort is required to achieve the status of normalized relations between Serbia and Kosovo," Hill stated.

He added that the EU Special Envoy for Dialogue, Miroslav Lajcak, has made many positive proposals addressing various topics, including the formation of the Community of Serb Municipalities.

"These are issues Lajcak raised right at the beginning, and they need to be implemented. Later, if everyone acts on Lajcak's proposals, we will be in a better place. Certainly, we have lost time for various reasons, but we must get back to work," the ambassador emphasized.

When it was pointed out that Serbia has not implemented certain agreements, yet pressure is being placed on Kosovo to do so, Hill said that he was not sure if he could agree with that view.

"Everything is much more complex, and we need to continue with normalization and adopt the proposals made by Lajcak. I cannot agree with your statement. I think you are not fully seeing the situation, and you need to understand that this is a complex process involving both sides," Hill explained.

Regarding the likelihood of Pristina submitting a draft CSM statute to the Constitutional Court and whether this move could unblock dialogue, Hill said that Lajcak’s opinion should be sought.

"I have to say that this is Mr. Lajcak's task, and you should ask him for his opinion. Our view is that we should support Lajcak, his proposals, and try to adopt them through a mutual agreement," Hill stated.

When asked how the election of a new US president might impact the Western Balkans, particularly Kosovo-Serbia relations, Hill pointed out that a transitional period is currently underway in Washington.

"There is much work to be done in appointing officials to high positions. Once that is completed, there will be appointments for other roles, many of which require Senate confirmation. We need to see how everything unfolds, and at this point, we cannot answer that question," Hill concluded.