Sunday, July 25, 2010

ICJ DECISION EASES THE WAY TO EU

Michael Leigh, director general for enlargement hopes that the ruling of the ICJ will encourage all interested parties in the region to focus on necessary reforms to move closer to the European Union rather than status. With Mr Leigh spoke Kim Bytyci and first asked him what effect will the ICJ ruling have for the enlargement for the Balkan region?

ML: The European Union is fully engaged with Kosovo and we are focused mainly on issues related to the rule of law, political and economic reforms, and institution building within Kosovo. I hope that this ruling by ICJ will mean that the status questions will not have the same predominance as hitherto and within Kosovo itself there can be a renewed focus on the necessary reforms to move closer to the EU. On the basis of yesterday's statement by the EU, it would be good for Belgrade and Prishtina to move towards dialogue on concrete areas where progress is needed. I think that’s the best way forward.


Will it put pressure on Serbia to recognize the independence or adapt their position on Kosovo before making further progress towards the EU?

ML: All the countries in the region and beyond, obviously including Serbia, will have to take into account this judgement. I understand that serious consideration is now being given in Belgrade to what this means for Serbia. We had some initial statements by president Tadic and I’m sure that all political leaders in Serbia are reflecting seriously on the implications of this judgement.

Do you expect that the five member states who haven’t yet recognize Kosovo will move forward towards recognizing the independence?

ML: European Union as a whole remains status neutral in all actions that it takes. We aim to promote concrete progress on the specific challenges facing all parts of the region. This continues to be the case. There will be a discussion in the Council of Ministers at the start of next week and this will give an opportunity to all member states to express their point of view.

posted by Euro-Korrespondent @ 12:24 AM