Belgrade: Direct talks with Pristina after ICJ decision

"A compromise regarding the future status of Kosovo is necessary, and it can only be reached through negotiations," Ljajic said.

He said that the right time for starting the talks with Pristina will be after the International Court of Justice (ICJ) gives its stance on the legality of Kosovo's unilaterally proclaimed independence.

He said that a result in which the Kosovo Albanians win and everyone else loses is not sustainable, and is not good for Kosovo, because it cannot become a member of any international forum.

Ljajic said that it was good that a compromise was found for allowing Serbia to participate in the regional conference in Sarajevo, scheduled for early June.

"This enables us to remain at the table where we are being discussed, and again, we did not accept the participation of Kosovo as a state entity at the conference" Ljajic said.

President of the Foreign Ministry's Foreign Policy Council, Sonja Liht, also said that new negotiations on the modality of Kosovo's status are possible.

She told Belgrade daily Danas that this is seen not only in the statements coming from Belgrade, but also international officials, as well as some analysts in Kosovo.

Asked to comment on the increasing signals from the West that direct talks between Belgrade and Pristina are necessary, Liht said "Belgrade officials expect direct negotiations with Pristina officials, directly after the consultative opinion of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) is given."

"Even if these talks are not a direct condition for increasing the speed of European integration, they are necessary for decreasing tensions, solving many problems related to the normal lives of Serbs and all other Kosovo residents, but would also send a clear message that we are ready to solve difficult problems in the Balkans through dialogue," Liht said.

She said that the talks must be held within the framework of searching for a status solution of compromise, adding that no one can be an absolute winner or loser in this solution.

"In this way, one big mistake could be avoided from turning into a precedent that will constantly lead to conflicts around the world," she said.

Liht commented the announcements that Serbian citizens would need a passport to enter Kosovo as something that is not in accordance with UN Security Council Resolution 1244, adding that the resolution obligates all UN members as long as it is in power.

She said that respecting laws is the only foundation for further democratic development in Kosovo.

"I am convinced that a way must be found to avoid violence," Liht said, adding that EULEX and the domestic government are now most responsible for keeping the peace.