National Convention: Bislimi's labeling is contrary to the spirit of dialogue

The Working Group of the National Convention on the European Union for Chapter 35 assessed that the labeling of civil society organizations by the Deputy Prime Minister of Kosovo, Besnik Bislimi, was contrary to the spirit of dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina, as well as contrary to European values and democratic principles.

"We consider his act to be a move that must be condemned by the Government of Kosovo, the European Union, and the member states of the Quint," the Working Group stated in a press release responding to Bislimi's criticism of the EU Envoy for the Belgrade-Pristina Dialogue, Miroslav Lajcak, in which he, among other things, stated that the delegation of the National Convention had been mainly composed of Serbian non-governmental organizations from Kosovo, which actively and openly advocated against the integration of Serbian citizens into the economic and social life of Kosovo.

The National Convention on the European Union is a network of civil society organizations, emphasized in the Working Group's statement, adding that this organization operates independently and does not represent the views of any state bodies, bilateral, or international organizations.

"The Working Group for Chapter 35 is actively involved in monitoring, improving, and promoting the dialogue process on normalization, as well as reconciliation between the Albanian and Serbian communities. We do not see dialogue as rivalry between two hostile sides but as a process that should enable lasting peace, a better life for all people regardless of national or ethnic affiliation, as well as prosperity for the entire region. The work of the Working Group is open to the public, and the benefits of our results are enjoyed by all participants in the dialogue, including Mr. Bislimi," it was stated.

Bislimi stated yesterday on the social network "X" that Lajcak announced that he had held a meeting with members of the Working Group of the National Convention on the EU for Chapter 35 and a delegation of the Serbs from Kosovo residing in Brussels a few hours before submitting the report on the normalization of relations in the dialogue between Kosovo and Serbia. However, he decided not to mention that these were members of the National Convention in Serbia.

However, as he added, the delegation was mainly composed of Serbian non-governmental organizations from Kosovo, which actively and openly advocate against the integration of Serbian citizens into the economic and social life of Kosovo.

He added that Lajcak should explain whether, in his narrative, Serbian non-governmental organizations from Kosovo were a part of the National Convention of the EU Serbia and whether they fell under his umbrella.