Professor from Belgrade: If an Association is created for Serbs in Kosovo, it should also be created for Albanians in Serbia

University professor in Belgrade, Ivan Videnović, has stated that the creation of the Association of Serb-majority municipalities in Kosovo should be accompanied by a similar mechanism for Albanians in Serbia.

He emphasized that the Association is part of the Franco-German plan and a key element in the negotiations between Kosovo and Serbia.

According to Videnović, acceptance of this plan by both sides is inevitable and will require major compromises.

"Because it was also in the Franco-German proposal. And I have often written that it is a blow to Kosovo and to the Serbian side to accept Kosovo's institutions. Whereas the Franco-German plan implies both the Association and the recognition of Kosovo by Serbia. I think that the peak of the negotiations between Kosovo and Serbia is the acceptance of that plan, and the acceptance of all those 'big frogs that must be swallowed'. I spoke for both sides, both must happen at the same time.

What mechanism, what is practical, do you need territorial or administrative autonomy or something that facilitates the functioning of that community in northern Kosovo. I think that issue is technical. And it would also be important if it comes to the association of municipalities in northern Kosovo, we should also think about the association of municipalities with Albanians in southern Serbia. If something is done with good will and useful for Serbian citizens, why shouldn't something useful and good will be done for Albanian citizens in southern Serbia, "said Videnović.

Videnović said the dialogue should intensify after the formation of a new government in Kosovo and the stabilization of the political situation in Serbia.

He emphasizes that the solution must be legal and balanced to avoid long-term tensions between the two countries.

"We shouldn't be too afraid of what comes next. I think we will enter into talks with courage. Which I think will happen with the formation of a new government in Kosovo and the resolution of the political situation, which is very complicated, in Serbia. We need to conclude these talks and find a legal and acceptable solution for both sides," the Serbian professor added during an interview in Dukagjini.