EU-lidstaten eensgezind over Kosovo (en)

"The European Union is in unison regarding the Kosovo issue", declared today the Portuguese Minister of State and Foreign Affairs, Luís Amado, during the Press Conference held this morning after the working session of the Ministers of Foreign Affairs, in Viana do Castelo. According to Luís Amado, the outcome of the meeting was very positive and he also stressed the unconditional support of all EU countries to the efforts of Ambassador Wolfgang Ischinger, also present at the meeting in Viana, in the negotiation process for the statute of the Serbian province of Kosovo.

"This is the first time that the EU is thus present in the process, the result of a position taken in the July Cagre about the Portuguese Presidency. We are in a new phase of negotiations and the next few months are crucial in terms of finding a solution", said Luís Amado, adding that this is one of the great priorities of the Portuguese Presidency.

According to the Portuguese MENE "the pressure at this moment is on both sides, Serbia and Kosovo, and they must try to find a solution that can be implemented". For Amado, it would be unconceivable to reach the end of this process with Russia and the Unites States with a position on the issue without the unity of the European Union."

Luís Amado has nevertheless shown "optimism", stating that, in the end, "and independently of the options on the table, the sense of political responsibility of the 27 Member States will prevail and the credibility of External Affairs of the Union will come out reinforced".

For Javier Solana, this troika started "on the right foot" but it is fundamental to work directly with both parts and also keep time frames. "I would like to stress that in December the members of the troika will have to present a report to the United Nations. Therefore, I appeal to both sides to engage themselves in earnest", stated the Secretary-General of the Council and High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Common Security.

Commissioner Olli also pointed out the need for Belgrade and Pristine to use this phase of negotiations and stressed the fact that the EU, in this particular issue, speaks in unison. "This is a European question that will affect the present and the future of the continent".

After the Press Conference, the 27 Member States will have a working lunch during which the peace process between Israel and Palestine will be discussed, as well as the situation in Lebanon.