Direct negotiations begin between Serbs and Kosovars

It is under the leadership of Robert Cooper, the strategic adviser to the High Representative of the EU, Cathy Ashton, that direct discussions between Serbian and Kosovar negotiators will begin this Tuesday (8 March) in Brussels at the premises of the Council. of the European Union. Three main themes will be addressed: free movement, the rule of law, regional cooperation. The objective is to find "pragmatic" solutions to concrete problems that arise every day, as explained by a close friend of Cathy Ashton. Some Kosovar merchants can no longer sell their fruit or vegetables across the border or vice versa. Judicial proceedings are frozen for lack of enforcement proceedings or the possibility of exchanging evidence, etc.

Negotiations will take place at a steady pace: approximately twice a month. Robert Cooper's role will be that of a "facilitator", intended to reconcile points of view and find possible solutions.

NB: The last time that the Serbs and the Kosovars negotiated directly was in February... 1999, in Rambouillet.