Djuric: Little time to find solution for Kosovo

"We are striving for a united approach to the four municipalities in the north and the municipalities in the south, and this is what we will insist on most. There is a certain tendency in the international community, and I believe Pristina will also show good will, to view the Serb community as one whole," Djuric told the weekly Novi Magazin. According to Djuric, the formation of a community of Serb municipalities can create a framework which will satisfy the needs of the Serbs and all citizens who want to be actively involved in this autonomous community. "This model does not jeopardize Pristina's strategic interests in any way and this is the essence of the ambiguous statement that we agree that there is no agreement regarding status, but what we can work together," he explained. Djuric noted that the Belgrade-Pristina dialogue should produce a solution which will be sanctioned by a constitutional law on the implementation of the Serbian Constitution, which will bestow a very broad spectrum of authority on the Autonomous Province of Kosovo. "The Serbian Constitution allows for the passage of such a law - we will continue to treat Kosovo as an autonomous province, but will not impose our position on Pristina," said Djuric. Asked why he thinks the Serbs in Kosovo will be satisfied with this solution, he said it offers far more to the Serbs living south of the Ibar river than they currently have, while for the Serbs in the majority Serb north it will be a firm guarantee that they will be able to enjoy their rights in accordance with the standards of civilization and the present moment, and will also offer them a solution harmonized with the Serbian Constitution. The Albanian side also has a lot to gain from the proposed plan. "Kosovo as an autonomous province as we view it, or Kosovo as a state as the people in Pristina view it, would have functioning institutions recognized by both sides, instead of the current parallelism. We will also have Serb participation at all levels of government and actual elected representatives in the Kosovo parliament. Estimates show Serbs could realistically have 30 out of 120 seats in the parliament," said Djuric. Asked whether this means Serbs will take part in elections organized by Pristina, he said Belgrade will not make any crucial moves before a final agreement is reached regarding relations inside the province and the establishment of a community of Serb municipalities.