Vucic prefers the EU, not the US, to mediate the dialogue with Kosovo

From the left: Miroslav Lajcak and Aleksandar Vucic

 The President of Serbia, Aleksandar Vucic, and the Special Representative of the European Union for Dialogue, Miroslav Lajcak, held a one-on-one meeting in Belgrade today, which is considered a preparatory meeting for the resumption of the Kosovo-Serbia dialogue in Brussels.

After the meeting, Vucic expressed his preference for the European Union to mediate the dialogue

"Thank you Lajçak for the visit. We had a very good preparatory meeting. Serbia fully supports the dialogue, which should take place under the auspices of the EU. I expect the dialogue to continue as soon as possible. It is possible in July. I respect Richard Grenelli's efforts for cooperation between Pristina and Belgrade, but for us there is no dilemma and we are committed to dialogue under the auspices of the European Union", said Vucic, reports the Belgrade newspaper Blic.

"We understand that Lajcak, with his authority, knowledge and dedication, can guarantee objectivity and impartiality in that process. We cannot talk if the only demand is for us to recognize Kosovo's independence."

He said Lajcak would decide on the date for the resumption of dialogue.

For his part, Lajcak said he expects the dialogue to resume in July in Brussels. According to him, Serbia's path to the EU is closely linked to the dialogue with Kosovo.

"I expect the EU-led dialogue to continue in July in Brussels. Serbia is part of Europe, your problems are our problems and your solutions are our solutions. Serbia's path to the EU is closely linked to this dialogue," said Lajcak.

Last weekend, the Slovak diplomat paid a three-day visit to Kosovo, where he met with leaders of state institutions and political entities to discuss the resumption of dialogue with Serbia.