After the meeting between Kurti and Vucic, Lajcak expressed optimism: Agreement between Kosovo and Serbia closed, now it's time to implement

  Miroslav Laják

 Miroslav Laják, the EU Special Representative for the Belgrade-Pristina dialogue, is optimistic about the recent meeting between Alexandar Vui, the President of Serbia, and Albin Kurti, the Prime Minister of Kosovo.

He said in an interview on Ilva Tare's "Balkans Debrief" that the conversation was open, sometimes emotional, but very respectful.

Mr. Laják emphasized, "They disagree on many things, but the discussion was really good."

According to Laják, the most significant outcome of the meeting was that both parties believed the agreement text did not require additional discussion and could be considered closed. The implementation annex, which is a separate document but is an essential component of the agreement, must be the primary focus of the two leaders, as REL reports.

The final mile is always the most crucial and delicate, in my opinion. Laják added, "And this is what lies ahead of us."

Miroslav Laják stated, despite the fact that Kosovar Prime Minister Albin Kurti was prepared to sign the document to make it official: The response from the European Union was that it would be premature due to the fact that this agreement—which is significant but does not include an agreement on its implementation—is still more of a political declaration than a legally binding agreement.

According to Laják, Kurti and Vui are responsible for establishing the organization and powers of the Association of the Serb Municipalities. We shouldn't be afraid of something that hasn't been on the agenda yet, according to the Special Representative.

Serbia and Kosovo are equal parties. He stated, "Neither party can impose its will on the other party against that party's will."

The opposition in Kosovo and Serbia are vigorously opposing the agreement, despite the parties' efforts to find a better solution and make it acceptable. Mr. Laják doesn't like that at all.

It's extremely sensitive. I understand that this addresses the identity issues at their core. Additionally, I am well-aware of the public debate. Laják came to a close by saying, "I see that the reaction from the opposition both in Kosovo and Serbia is not helpful for the two leaders to make these important decisions. However, they know how important this proposal is for their relations, the atmosphere in the region, and the path to the EU."