Former UN administrator in Kosovo, the influential European diplomat Soren Jessen-Petersen has declared that European Union has to pressure Serbia to recognize the state of Kosovo as 'a conditional requirment' to integrate in the EU.

 

The former UNMIK chief stressed that "the EU must harden its stance on whether to accept Serbia into the European family. The European Union must demand this 'conditional requirement' to Serbia and not just hope that one day Serbia may recognize Kosovo. It is very important that the pro-European government of Serbia understands the message that recognizing the state of Kosovo is the only pathway for Serbia to enter the European Union."
 
"Serbia must understand that it cannot pursue destructive policies of violence, partition and blocking EU mission while seeking the European Union membership. The European Union must not accept Serbia until it recognizes Kosovo," added the European diplomat.  

In the meantime, he emphasized that "Kosovar authorities have to pursue a more intense lobbying policy to expedite the process of recognition of the newly-fledged nation."
 
The European diplomat expressed his concern about the recent events, particularly in the northern Kosovo and other Serb populated areas, indicating that "Serbia is attempting to destabilize Kosovo by enforcing partition policies, blackmailing Kosovar Serbs who want to integrate in the Kosovo society."

Concerning the effects of the possible partition of Kosovo he added that "this is a very dangerous precedent for the entire region. Any further attempts toward partitioning of Kosovo are going to diminish all chances for Serbia to enter the EU in the future. Serbia is seeking to destabilize the entire Balkan region and Europe,“ added the European diplomat.
 
"Brussels must follow a tangible course in this matter. The time of feeding Serbia with carrots is over. Brussels must act and not just give emphatic statements such as 'Kosovo will never be partitioned,” while it is virtually happening. Kosovo is a very important and expensive diplomatic project for the political future of the European Union as a test of its ability to deal with European issues as a united body," stressed the former UN administrator.  
   
"The Kosovar government and people have shown maturity in the midst of these destabilizing elements fomented by Serbia, and the international community praises Kosovars' excellent diligence. Kosovar people should commit to progress on developing the country and widen horizons on seeking more recognition by other countries in the world," concluded the former UN administrator of Kosovo, Soren Jessen-Petersen.