On February 16, Group for Legal and Political Studies (GLPS) organized a Roundtable Discussion on the topic: “In search of Consensus: What should be the New Format of the Dialogue?”, held in Prishtina. The aim of this event was to analyze Serbia’s approach toward the political dialogue with Kosovo, with special emphasis on the concrete requests that it has expressed during this process. In addition, this roundtable focused in identifying potential mechanisms that would lead to a reached political and social consensus in Kosovo in order to effectively address all the challenges and problems that might be encountered during the dialogue. At the beginning of the discussion, GLPS presented a Policy Analysis entitled: “In Search of Consensus: What is Kosovo’s Red Line?” which addresses the internal political discourse in Serbia, the obstacles that were created to Kosovo with regard to membership into international organizations (UNESCO, Interpol, etc.), as well as the Serbian “offer” of a UN seat for Kosovo and the possibilities of recognition from Serbia, among others.  Mr. Bajrami, author of the Analysis and the Editor-in-Chief at Koha Ditore, stated that Kosovo should employ a strategical approach toward the remaining period of the political dialogue with Serbia, introduce red lines during the negotiations and seek for clear responses on matters that have been informally raised by Serbia, such as the case on the exchange of territories, etc. In addition, he also said that the European Union should clearly define its role to the process, which should be more than the one of a facilitator, while treating both parties as equal and ensuring mutual implementation of the already reached agreements, are two of the main basis for a successful process. Adding to the discussion, Ms. Haxhiu from Levizja Vetevendosje said that this process cannot stagnate and restart in infinity and that Kosovo should have a strategic approach towards the dialogue and put country’s interests first, while setting boundaries on what Kosovo may or may not agree to.  While, Mr. Murati from Levizja per Bashkim concluded that Kosovo has failed to reach a political consensus on the process, its format and on its continuation in the near future.  This roundtable was organized within the framework of the project ‘Normalization of the Kosovo-Serbia Dialogue’ which involves a series of debates and analysis, and is supported by the Kosovo Foundation for Open Society (KFOS).

Panelists:

Ms. Albulena Haxhiu – Representative from Levizja Vetevendosje;

Mr. Valon Murati – President of Levizja per Bashkim;

Mr. Azem Vllasi – Expert on Kosovo-Serbia Dialogue;

Mr. Agron Bajrami – Author of the report and Editor-in-Chief, Koha Ditore.

Venue: Hotel Swiss Diamond Prishtina