Foundation to propose draft framework agreement

According to the proposal, which Belgrade-based daily Danas has seen, the two sides are exptected to develop good-neighborly relations based on not meddling in internal issues and mutual respect of territorial integrity. In addition, they need to agree that their membership in the United Nations and other international organizations will not imply recognition based on international law, and commit to fully implementing the agreements reached with the help of EU facilitators. The document has nothing to do with the dynamics and content of the talks in Brussels, even though they do cover some common ground, the daily was told. Danas writes that several sources have confirmed the authenticity of the document, which Christoph Heuzgen, foreign policy and security advisor to the German chancellor, presented to Serbia's Deputy Prime Minister Aleksandar Vucic during his visit to Berlin in February. The foundation submitted the working document to Heuzgen in January. There is still no official confirmation as to whether Angela Merkel's close associate will be part of a German delegation which will visit Belgrade and Pristina between March 16 and 19. The proposal also states that both parties will begin talks on establishing new border crossings, and will improve road, air and rail transport between the two territories. Additionally, they would pledge to open liaison offices at government headquarters, nurture cross-border cooperation between municipalities and communities, and respect all national minorities in their territories, guaranteeing and protecting their rights in line with the highest international standards. The draft also obligates Belgrade and Pristina, both aspiring to EU membership, to respect the principles of decentralization and work to harmonize their legislation with EU standards. Both sides should also pledge to support each other's EU integration efforts, and solve all disagreements under the auspices of the UN and only with peaceful means, without threats or use of force. Belgrade and Pristina should act with the understanding that neither side can represent the other in international relations or act on its behalf, and that their authority is limited to their own territory. The agreement would come into effect on the day it is signed by both parties and the English-language version would be the only legally binding.