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The meeting in Washington is an expression of the readiness of both parties for the normalization of relations, which was confirmed by the meeting in Brussels that followed Washington – Thomas Schieb, the German ambassador to Serbia, says exclusively for “Blic”.
Ambassador Šib visited our editorial office yesterday, and during the conversation with CEO Jelena Drakulić Petrović and editor-in-chief Predrag Mihailović, he also touched on topics such as the agreement in Washington, the European integration of Serbia, but also revealed whether there is a possibility that German Chancellor Merkel of her mandate to visit Serbia once again.
Shib also revealed Berlin’s attitude towards the agreement that Belgrade and Pristina signed at the White House.
– In principle, I welcome all the activities that lead to the rapprochement of the Belgrade and Pristina positions and thus improve the living conditions of the people on the ground. The meeting in Washington is an expression of the readiness of both parties for the normalization of relations, which was confirmed by the meeting in Brussels that followed Washington. Furthermore, President Vučić and Prime Minister Hoti rightly underlined that dialogue with the mediation of the European Union is their priority. I sincerely hope that the talks in Brussels will end as soon as possible – said Šib.
He noted that he welcomed what was achieved in Washington based on the Brussels results, which were confirmed, but added:
– Some of the elements that were discussed in Washington have the potential to move both countries away from their path towards the EU. The transfer of the Embassy to Jerusalem is not in line with the foreign policy of the European Union. The point is that the new agreements should not be in conflict with the results or obligations already reached in the negotiation framework with the European Union – she says.
Concluding that our country did not open a single chapter in the negotiations with the European Union in 2020, and that Minister Jadranka Joksimović affirms that Serbia has prepared five, he says:
– Minister Joksimović rightly states that, from Serbia’s perspective, five chapters are ready to open. The European Union is currently working to verify this assessment. This corresponds to a regular procedure. However, the Minister did not mention that new chapters will be opened only if there is substantial progress on particularly priority chapters. Serbia must fulfill its obligations regarding the rule of law. It’s about reforming the judicial system, implementing a media strategy, and fighting corruption, to name just three of the most important issues. Without progress on these issues, there will be no opening of new chapters so as not to endanger the negotiations – the German ambassador is clear about this.
When asked when we could expect Chancellor Angela Merkel’s visit to Serbia and if that is possible before her term ends, Thomas Schieb states that he sincerely looks forward to the chancellor’s visit as soon as possible.
There is no point in retrofitting cabins when the boat’s engine is not running
Ambassador Šib vividly explained what the undeserved opening of the chapter would mean for Serbia.
– Imagine a boat that is currently being repaired in a shipyard. There is no point in modernizing passenger cabins until the machines have been repaired. Unfortunately, it is not excluded that 2020 could be a lost year for Serbia’s negotiations on accession to the European Union, unless more dedicated work is finally done on the repair of the plant in the bowels of the ship. However, I am optimistic and have full confidence that the new government and the assembly in the new convocation will do everything possible to make up for lost time, says Šib.
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