Minister Dačić: Serbia wants more active presence of the OSCE on Kosovo and Metohija

After today’s meeting with OSCE Chairperson-in-Office and Minister of Foreign Affairs of North Macedonia Bujar Osmani, Minister Dačić said that it was important for the mission of this organization to continue functioning, bearing in mind the role it should play in the implementation of the Resolution 1244 and other international agreements.

“We believe that all international missions on Kosovo and Metohija should continue working and have the broadest possible capacity for its activity in order to ensure stability and peace in that area.  When the Brussels Agreement was signed, the role of the OSCE in organization of elections on Kosovo and Metohija was clearly defined. But, let me remind you that the last elections were held without the participation of the OSCE - for the first time”, underlined Minister Dačić.

He said that only 1.9 percent of refugees and displaced persons had returned to Kosovo and Metohija since 1999; furthermore, there were issues of detentions, arrests, vehicle licence plates as well as the issue of the so-called elections held in Serbian municipalities in which the Serbs had not participated.

“In that sense, we expect status-neutral position of the OSCE when it comes to Kosovo and Metohija. Serbia supports the activities of the OSCE. We will give our utmost support in overcoming the issues, to the extent it lies in our power”, emphasised Minister Dačič.

Minister Osmani said that he talked to Minister Dačić today about the role of the OSCE and the challenges it faced.

“We must never stop talking about the things that matter.  This also applies to the dialogue between Belgrade and Priština facilitated by the EU.  We are happy to have hosted the Ohrid Agreement, which will hopefully contribute to continuation of the process as well as to the regional stability.  I will reiterate this support when I visit Priština next.  OSCE sees itself as a platform for promotion of human interests.  Our highest priority is peace and prosperity”, said Minister Osmani.

Minister Dačić denied some media’s allegations that he went to Moscow and allegedly participated in an international security conference there, having said that he “never travels incognito”.  He said that at the time he was allegedly in Russia he was dining with Minister Osmani.

Source: Tanjug

Photo: Ministry of Foreign Affairs