Spindelegger: “A good and correct step for Serbia and Kosovo”

Foreign Minister and Vice-Chancellor Michael Spindelegger welcomes progress in talks between Belgrade and Pristina

Vienna, 4 July 2011 – “The agreement on the free movement of persons, which came about through EU mediation, is designed to finally make it possible for people in Kosovo to travel to Serbia again, and vice versa. Beside its practical importance for the people of the region, this agreement also has a symbolic character. It demonstrates that with some good will agreements are possible despite the opposing points of view as regards the status of Kosovo,” said Foreign Minister Michael Spindelegger, who was delighted at reports of an agreement concluded between Belgrade and Pristina on 2 July 2011 concerning practical issues of co-existence between Serbia and Kosovo.

“These agreements are a first good step into the future which can only have a positive effect on Serbia’s – and indeed Kosovo’s - ambitions to join the EU,” continued Spindelegger. According to the information obtained so far the agreement of 2 July concerns the freedom of movement in both directions, the exchange of registers on personal status and the recognition of university diplomas. “We are interested in finding out more about the details of these agreements and are also looking forward to the conclusion of agreements on the other issues negotiated so far,” concluded the Foreign Minister.

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