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“CoE should focus on status-neutral options”

Addressing participants at the 120th session of the Council of Europe Committee of Ministers in Strasbourg, Jeremić said one of the most delicate issues in the Council of Europe and "of essential importance for Serbia," was the status of its southern province of Kosovo. Jeremić pointed out that Belgrade's "peaceful and principled" policy would not change, and that it was obvious that "we are approaching a new and promising moment" with regard to Kosovo. According to him, a path must be hewn in the coming period to solve the Kosovo issue in a manner acceptable to all responsible parties and do everything to avoid "harsh debates that bring division to forums such as today's." Jeremić added that this was why the Council of Europe had to keep focusing on "status-neutral initiatives." "Non-controversial initiatives, such as preserving and renewing Serbian heritage [in Kosovo] will preserve the unity of our organization and contribute to reducing tension in the field," Jeremić said, adding that such projects should contribute to the final goal, "a historic compromise between Serbs and Albanians." Jeremić pointed out that Serbia was fully committed to the fundamental values of the Council of Europe – respecting individual liberties, the rule of law, human and minority rights and integration. Source: Beta