Ivic: Sorensen’s visit to Belgrade and Pristina is a prelude to the continuation of dialogue

Petar Ivic, a collaborator of the Pupin Initiative, says that Peter Sorensen’s visit to Belgrade and Pristina should be seen as a "prelude" to the continuation of dialogue, but that no progress will be made unless the EU exerts more concrete pressure on the Pristina administration.

"This should be viewed more as a kind of prelude toward the further continuation of dialogue. Besides his much more subtle, technocratic style, Sorensen also has a deep and extensive understanding of this region, judging by his career in missions such as UNMIK and the EU in Bosnia and Herzegovina," Ivic stated for Kosovo Online.

He emphasizes that this visit should also be viewed in the context of the announced visit of the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas.

"There are certain indicators that this might just be a big introduction where Kaja Kallas would take the lead," he clarified.

Ivic recalls that it was Kallas who stated that the dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina needs "new energy," but he also warns that this cannot be achieved unless the EU finds mechanisms to make both sides adhere to what has been agreed.

"New energy is certainly needed, but even more necessary are concrete measures that would be implemented in the further continuation of dialogue. Serbia has absolutely implemented everything that was asked of it. Now we are waiting for concessions from the Pristina administration. Without concrete pressure from Western allies on the unilateral, non-constructive, and I would say even destructive actions of the administration that has so far been led by Albin Kurti, no substantive progress in the dialogue can and will be made," Ivic asserted.