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Kosovo president rules out self-ruling Serb community

Against 'Bosnia effect' on country, EU pressures Belgrade

11 February, 22:52
(ANSA) - BELGRADE, FEB 11 - Kosovo has once again rejected the creation of a Community of Serb Municipalities in the country. This type of body, however, had been called for in agreements signed in 2013 in Brussels as part of EU-mediated dialogue with Belgrade. "We cannot accept a model that could lead to a Bosnia effect on Kosovo," said president Vjosa Osmani, in reference to Republika Srpska, a Serb majority body of Bosnia-Herzegovina. He added in statements to the local television station RTK that it is a document that is damaging to the sovereignty and functioning of Kosovo institutions, with a model that leads to the division of the country. Reiterating charges against Belgrade on non-compliance of agreements reached thus far as part of dialogue, Osmani said that the EU does not have a balanced, equal approach with the two parties involved in the talks, treating Belgrade as a "spoiled child". "The EU must put pressure on Serbia to induce it to comply with agreements," the president said, adding that the dialogue should end with reciprocal recognition between Serbia and Kosovo. Replying to Osmani was Petar Petkovic, head of the Serbian government officer for Kosovo, who called Pristina's accusations "absurd" and claimed that it was instead Kosovo that was not complying with the agreements reached, leading to stalled dialogue. The 2013 accords, which provide for a Community of Serb Municipalities, are not a menu to pick and choose from, said Petkovic. (ANSA).

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