Orlic: Dialogue with Pristina remains burden on Serbia's EU integration

BELGRADE - Serbia's EU integration remains burdened by the issue of the Belgrade-Pristina dialogue, which is underway in difficult circumstances, Serbian Parliament Speaker Vladimir Orlic said at a meeting with Bundestag Vice President Aydan Ozoguz.

"Establishment of a Community of Serb Municipalities without delay is a commitment that must be met, and one Pristina has been avoiding in every way, even stepping up dangerous moves and attempts to cause escalation in recent days in order to later use it as an alibi for avoiding its commitments. Brutally and on a daily basis, Pristina is putting Serbs in Kosovo-Metohija, their basic security and their fundamental rights under threat," Orlic said according to a statement released by the Serbian parliament.

Serbs in Kosovo-Metohija get arrested and convicted to prison sentences without being guilty and without any evidence, and Pristina sends uniform-clad bullies armed to the teeth to the north of Kosovo-Metohija to harass even mothers with children, Orlic said.

Serbs are even denied the right to speech and opinion, which is unthinkable anywhere in Europe in the 21st century, Orlic said.

"In difficult circumstances such as these, we are implementing Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic's policy responsibly, and we are committed to preserving peace and stability for all, because we know that, without peace, there is neither progress nor life at all," he said.

During the conversation with Ozoguz, Orlic confirmed the good bilateral ties, accompanied by intensive political dialogue, the statement said.

Orlic thanked Germany for the support it was providing to Serbia on its European path, and noted Serbia's commitment and progress in all fields that are a part of its reform process.

Ozoguz highlighted the significance of open and sincere dialogue for preservation of peace for all in the Western Balkans, noting, at the same time, the region's significance for the EU.

The statement said the parties had welcomed the dynamic bilateral economic cooperation, especially the record-high results in trade and investment.

They expressed readiness to further strengthen parliamentary cooperation on all levels to also contribute to closer political ties between Serbia and Germany.