Szunyog: It is crucial for Kosovo to establish a CSM, the implementation of the agreement is an integral part of the European path of both sides

The EU Ambassador in Kosovo Tomas Szunyog said that the draft of the CSM statute, which was submitted to the Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti, respects the constitutional order of Kosovo and that the implementation of the Agreement will be an integral part of the European path for Kosovo and Serbia, the Albanian Post reports.

Szunyog noted that he was not aware of any decision of the Government of Kosovo regarding the acceptance of the draft statute of the CSM, and recalled the recent interview of the European emissary for dialogue between Kosovo and Serbia, Miroslav Lajcak, who said that the submitted draft of the statute of the CSM did not cross "red lines".

"It respects the agreements from 2013 and 2015, which form the legal basis of the CSM, plus relevant international conventions, such as the European Charter on Local Self-Government. The agreement, together with its annex for implementation, became legally binding by the written statement of the high representative of Borrell dated 18 March 2023. Allow me to add that the implementation of the Agreement will be an integral part of the European path of Kosovo and Serbia," explained Szunyog.

He added that it is crucial that Kosovo establishes a CSM, despite Kurti's insistence that he will not implement this mechanism without Serbia signing the Brussels and Ohrid Agreements.

Speaking about the sanctions against Kosovo, Szunyog points out that the EU in its statement clearly stated its expectations in order to remove these measures.

"De-escalation in the north of Kosovo, organizing extraordinary local elections in four northern municipalities and constructive engagement and readiness to implement, without delay or preconditions, the obligations undertaken within the framework of the Agreement on the Normalization Path and its Annex for Implementation, as well as other agreements reached in the Dialogue with EU mediation. This includes the establishment of the CSM," he said.

He repeated that the EU member states indicated in September that they are ready to cancel the measures in the event that progress is made.

"I sincerely hope that these demands will be fulfilled soon, so that we can remove the measures to return the focus to reforms that are not only very important for Kosovo's approach to the EU, but also necessary for the well-being of society in Kosovo," points out Szunyog.

Speaking about the passports of the coordination administration that do not enjoy a visa-free regime, Szunyog says that the European Commission proposed to amend the Regulation in November, and that the European Council and the European Parliament are expected to consider the proposal in 2024.

"What is now certain is that holders of Kosovo passports will be able to travel as tourists in the EU without a visa for 90 days in any 180-day period from January 1 onwards. This is an important historical moment in EU-Kosovo relations and an important step towards Kosovo's path to the EU. We are very happy to celebrate this important milestone together. It is the result of many years of hard work by Kosovo institutions, governments, EU institutions, EU member states, civil society, media and others," he said.

Speaking about the security problems in the north, Szunyog says that EU institutions and member states closely monitor public debates and statements about possible "attacks on Kosovo".

"I am fully aware that the violent attack in Banjska raised alarm given that this operation was unprecedented and the amount of seized ammunition and weapons was huge. Indeed, this attack turned all eyes away from Kosovo and increased the international community's concern about the security situation in the north of Kosovo. After the attack, NATO sent reinforcements to Kosovo, and EULEX increased its presence in the north," he said, adding that everyone is working hard to make Kosovo safe.

Szunyog emphasized that he expects that all the perpetrators will be caught and brought to justice and that Serbia will fully cooperate and take all necessary steps in this regard.