The emissary of Germany, Manuel Sarrazin, said that his country is a strong supporter of Kosovo, but added that it is now key for Kosovo to convince the member states of the Council of Europe to support its request for membership.
“We have closely followed the developments in the Parliamentary Assembly. And we, of course, take into account the decision of the Parliamentary Assembly in our deliberations. Of course, we are friends and strong supporters of Kosovo. And we stand behind the idea of bringing Kosovo closer to Europe, which also means membership in the Council of Europe. But the decision in the end will be of the Council of Ministers and it is essential that Kosovo now does everything it can do to convince a large majority of member states. Especially the rights of minorities are a key topic for the Council of Europe”, Sarrazin told EWB.
Asked about the “satisfaction of the Serbian authorities” for the establishment of the Association by Kosovo, Sarrazin said that the conditions set by Serbia do not constitute conditions for Germany as well.
“I have to say that I cannot really follow Serbia’s argumentation. At least for the German side, I can say that the criteria mentioned by Serbia have never been published as our criteria for the possible membership of Kosovo in the Council of Europe. In general, the situation of dealing with minorities in Kosovo is very relevant. But Kosovo has an obligation from the Brussels agreements reached in 2011 and 2013, as well as from the Ohrid agreement to implement the Association. What is clear is that Kosovo and Serbia must implement the Ohrid Agreement, which includes the establishment of the Association”.
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