Von Cramon: CSM one of important points; it must not be rejected

The rapporteur for Kosovo in the European Parliament, Viola von Cramon, expects that the meeting between Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti and Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic on March 18 in Ohrid will conclude with an agreement, adding that the CSM is a very important point of the Brussels Agreement that must not be rejected, RTK reports.

"I hope we will also see signatures. This agreement would be a huge step forward for both countries, especially Kosovo, in the context of European integration," von Cramon said.

According to her, the proposal is a big step forward, especially for Kosovo, in terms of "recognition as a sovereign state and progress."

When asked if the European plan contains de facto recognition by Serbia, she said it was "recognition for official documents, signs, passports, and diplomas."

"It also means that Serbia must end its campaign of de-recognitions of Kosovo and that Kosovo can apply for membership in all international organizations, which is very important. At this moment, all experts agree that this is a significant step for Kosovo," von Cramon said.

Regarding the five countries of the European Union that did not recognize the independence of Kosovo, von Cramon pointed out that she could not be 100 percent sure whether those countries would change their position after the eventual agreement was reached, but if Serbia recognized all the documents of Kosovo, then according to her, there would be no obstacles for any other country to recognize Kosovo's independence.

"It is certainly very difficult to say something like that with complete conviction. What I have heard from those who have negotiated on both sides is that it is quite possible and that at least there are no legal obstacles in that direction. If Serbia de facto recognizes all Kosovo documents, then there would be no obstacles for any other country to recognize Kosovo. I haven't talked to the governments of those countries, but I see it as a very big move," von Cramon stated.

Speaking about the Community of Serb-majority Municipalities, she said that "the EU will not allow a new Republic of Srpska."

"There are different models in the EU as well, and none of them are similar to the Republic of Srpska because it is not in our interest to create another body like the 'Republic of Srpska' and that is certain. What we have offered to the parties in Kosovo is something that cannot lead to any schism or division," von Cramon emphasized.

She said it was up to the Government of Kosovo to decide on the CSM model and emphasized the importance of not rejecting that point because it was one of the crucial points and a part of the Brussels Agreement from 2013 and 2015.