President Milanović in Ohrid: Reciprocal recognition of Serbia and Kosovo a must, otherwise no progress
The President of the Republic Zoran Milanović participated in Ohrid today in the official high level opening session of the Prespa Forum Dialogue held under the theme “Shaping Western Balkan Future in the Contemporary European Security Architecture”.
Focusing on the prospects of South East Europe countries, particularly Bosnia and Herzegovina, North Macedonia, Albania, Kosovo and Serbia, in his address President Milanović stated: “Two months ago I heard the phrase “eastern part”, countries exposed to Russian influence – Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia and Moldova. When it came my turn to speak, I was the first one to mention Serbia and Kosovo, we all know countries that haven’t reciprocally recognized each other, but are part of the Western Balkans too. That is precisely what will determine everything, they must reciprocally recognize each other otherwise there will be no progress. “Brussels” is not mentioned in such major decisions, with the exception of Germany, France, Nordic countries and of course Slovenia and Croatia that are actively included. We know who opposes this in Europe. I’m not here to blame them, but we’re not the ones standing in the way, the bureaucracy in Brussels does not stand in the way, neither does Slovenia, nor probably Bulgaria. German chancellor Scholz visited Belgrade the other day where he clearly indicated a condition to Serbia, namely that it must recognize Kosovo to make life easier for them. Of course as expected, Serbian president Vučić wondered why this is being mentioned as a condition at this time, and has never been discussed to date. Scholz answered him that he was just being sincere – it won’t go without it.”
Furthermore, he explained his point of view on EU enlargement to the Western Balkan countries: “All of this isn’t very encouraging because, for a whole range of reasons, I can’t even imagine Serbia recognizing Kosovo. But if this doesn’t happen, the problems won’t be solved. The Western Balkans is just a drop in the ocean of the European economy, social events, just plain everything. No economic reason exists that would prevent the richest EU countries from accepting these countries into their ranks. They would adapt in one way or other. Security and reciprocal recognition are the key on which we have to focus, and send a message to Serbia that they must choose what they want. Any choice is legitimate, there are only two: in or out. Relations between Serbia and Kosovo are crucial for the Western Balkans. Everything else is something that can be solved, something we can live with”, President Milanović stated.
Asked about his thoughts on the initiative to grant Ukraine EU candidate status under a fast-track procedure, he said: “You ask me about Ukraine and its candidate status? It’s all right with me, but we mustn’t forget Bosnia and Herzegovina! What’s stopping us from doing the same for BiH? Constant procrastination is destroying BiH”, President Milanović replied.
The host of the Prespa Forum Dialogue is the President of the Republic of North Macedonia Stevo Pendarovski, and besides President Milanović participating in the official high level opening session were the President of the Republic of Slovenia Borut Pahor, the President of the Republic of Kosovo Vjosa Osmani, and the President of Montenegro Milo Đukanović.
The Prespa Forum Dialogue (PFD) is a platform created by the Government of the Republic of North Macedonia to enable countries, leaders, organizations, and citizens to build long-term relationships and strengthen partnerships. The Forum aims to inspire and promote good-neighbourly relations and cooperation.
After participating in the Prespa Forum Dialogue, President Milanović held a bilateral meeting with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Türkiye Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu who also participated in a part of the Forum. Following the meeting, President Milanović stated that he also discussed Bosnia and Herzegovina with the Turkish Foreign Minister.
Asked by the press whether their views coincide on Sweden’s and Finland’s accession to NATO, President Milanović stated: “We don’t have the same position – they’re against these states, at least they were, especially in Sweden’s case. Croatia, i.e. I’m not against Finland and Sweden, but I don’t see any other way. If there will be an opportunity to discuss their membership in NATO, but it doesn’t seem like it today. What will happen tomorrow, we’ll see, but if so, the security problem that Croatia has in the broad sense of the word should be addressed, a problem very much oppressing us. A war broke out in Ukraine, Finland and Sweden have become insecure, and want to join NATO. Ok, but what about us? We’re insecure too, we’re angry, you’re not listening to us. We just want order in which the Croats will know that their representatives in democratic institutions won’t be elected by just anyone, by someone falsely presenting himself as a Croat”, President Milanović explained in his statement to the press after the meeting.
PHOTO: Office of the President of the Republic of Croatia / Dario Andrišek