Catherine Ashton, the former High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs, stressed that meaningful progress in the discussion between Serbia and Kosovo would require sacrifices.
The former dialogue mediator said that greater will and leadership were required to proceed while she was in Kosovo.
Considering the challenges encountered during the negotiation process, she conveyed gratitude to the special envoy, Miroslav Lajčák, for expressing his desire for Kosovo’s success.
“It won’t be easy, but I hope the debate progresses. To be ready to act and control the situation, true leadership and resolve are required. to not give up but rather to make the greatest possible compromise. I’m hoping that the conversation will advance over the next few months and years. Even if many people want to see you succeed, you have their support even though it won’t be easy. Particularly, Miroslav Lajčák, who occasionally does not receive the credit he merits but genuinely feels that Kosovo will prosper in the future.”
Furthermore, Baroness Ashton, who was in Pristina promoting her new book, “And then, what,” said she was willing to help with the conversation but that she might be out of time, as Prime Minister Kurti said on Thursday.
Kurti stated it best when he said, “Our days are done. I’m willing to support the conversation process anyway. I’ll do everything in my power to encourage communication and help the people of Serbia and Kosovo advance together in the context of EU membership. However, the prime minister correctly stated that Ashton, Dačić, and Thaçi’s times are done.
Former Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs Ambassador Philip Reeker also spoke at the conference, emphasizing the necessity for significant changes and compromises in order for the discussion to be successful.