Beta PRESS - Novinska agencija

Dacic, Thaci Agree Brussels Deal Implementation Plan

BRUSSELS, May 22, 2013, (Beta) - Serbian Prime Minister Ivica Dacic and Kosovo Premier Hashim Thaci in Brussels on May 22, agreed in principle on the implementation of the agreement on the normalization of Belgrade-Pristina relations.

"Prime Minister Thaci and Prime Minister Dacic continued their discussion and have agreed a fixed text which they are now discussing. They will be in touch with me by the end of the week," read a statement by EU High Representative Catherine Ashton issued at the end of the meeting in the framework of the EU-facilitated dialog.

On May 21 and 22, Dacic and Thaci discussed the plan for the implementation of the Belgrade-Pristina agreement, which for Serbia is the condition for obtaining a date for opening accession talks with the EU, and for Kosovo, the prospect for a Stabilization and Association Agreement.

After the meetings, Dacic said the implementation plan for carrying out the Belgrade-Pristina agreement on the normalization of relations confirmed the existence of "a serious intention" to implement the deal signed in April.

The plan will become effective after the governments of Serbia and Kosovo confirm it and inform Ashton of this in writing. It is planned, according to Dacic, to start implementing the plan in the next few days, within workings groups.

"The plan consists of part 1, which is the adjustment of the legal framework. A working group, comprising representatives of both sides will be set up, and will be charged with suggesting which laws should be amended. The other part of the plan refers to the Community of Serb Municipalities," Dacic explained.

The Serbian prime minister also said the dialog with Pristina would continue with talks on the property of the displaced persons and refugees, the Serbian cultural heritage in Kosovo and status of the Serbian Orthodox Church. Belgrade believes that the issue of Serbian participation in Kosovo's central authority should also be on the table, Dacic added.

more →