France: Recognition of Kosovo is not a EU membership condition
French Ambassador in Belgrade Jean-Francois Terral said on Tuesday that the recognition of Kosovo's independence was not a condition for Serbia's EU membership.
(KosovoCompromise Staff) Wednesday, July 02, 2008
Terral, whose country has taken over the EU presidency on July 1, has said that the "the EU integration process is the same for all and Serbia is no exception".
"We will continue with the process which leads Serbia in the European Union and will also continue to deal with this problem (Kosovo) because its resolution will be beneficial both for Serbia and all of the region", Terral said.
However, a pro-secession Paris-based expert on the Balkans, Judy Batt, said that Serbia'scooperation with European institutions will be seriously threatened if Belgrade attempts to obstruct the participation of Kosovo in them.
She pointed out that this is why a compromise solution will have to be found in which Serbia and other countries will agree to differ.
"This cooperation will be seriously threatened should Serbia decide to obstruct the participation of Kosovo in regional forums, such as the Regional Co-operation Council", Batt said,
However, when there is a will there is a way, she pointed out.
"Diplomats can always find an equivocal formula once political leaders decide they want to move forward regardless of the mutual differences", Batt said.
