"Koha Ditore" has had access to a document which is believed to be the proposed text for the "Basic Agreement between Kosovo and Serbia". This document was reportedly delivered to the parties in August. Meanwhile, senior EU officials have said that the same proposal has been updated and it has now become a proposal of "all 27 member countries of the European Union". Western sources have told "Koha Ditore" that this version is without the updates that have been made in the meantime, but there have been no changes in the main points and ideas.
In the following, we are bringing the text of this proposal in its entirety, the authenticity of which has not been officially confirmed:
The basic agreement between Kosovo and Serbia
High contractual parties;
Aware of their responsibility for maintaining peace;
Committed to contributing to fruitful regional cooperation and security in Europe;
Realizing that the inviolability of borders and respect for territorial integrity and sovereignty, as well as the protection of national minorities are the basic conditions for peace;
Acting from the historical fact and without prejudging the different positions of the parties about the basic issues, including the issue of status;
With the desire to create conditions for cooperation between the parties for the benefit of the people,
The following have been agreed upon:
Article 1
The parties will develop normal, good neighborly relations with each other on the basis of equal rights.
Both parties will recognize each other's relevant documents and national symbols, including passports, diplomas, vehicle plates and customs stamps.
Article 2
Both sides will be guided by the purpose and principles established in the Charter of the United Nations, especially those on the sovereign rights of states, respect for their independence, autonomy and territorial integrity, the right to self-determination, the protection of human rights and non-discrimination.
Article 3
In accordance with the Charter of the United Nations, the parties shall resolve any disagreement between them only by peaceful means and shall refrain from the threat or use of force.
Article 4
The parties proceed from the assumption that neither of these two can represent the other party in the international sphere or act on its behalf.
Serbia will not oppose Kosovo's membership in any international organization.
Article 5
Both sides will support their respective aspirations to become members of the European Union.
Article 6
While this basic agreement represents an important step of normalization, both sides will continue with a new impetus the dialogue process led by the EU, which will lead to the legally binding, comprehensive agreement for the normalization of relations.
The parties agree to deepen cooperation in the future in the fields of economy, science and technology, transport and connectivity, relations in justice and law enforcement, post and telecommunications, health, culture, religion, sports, environmental protection, missing persons and fields other similar ones through reaching specific agreements
Article 7
Both parties are committed to reaching specific arrangements, in accordance with the relevant instruments of the Council of Europe and using existing European experiences, to ensure an appropriate level of self-government for the Serbian community in Kosovo and the possibility for the provision of services in some specific areas. , including the possibility of financial assistance from Serbia and direct communication channels of the Serbian community with the Government of Kosovo.
The parties will formalize the status of the Serbian Orthodox Church in Kosovo and provide a high level of protection of Serbian religious and cultural heritage, in accordance with existing European models.
Article 8
The parties will exchange permanent missions. They will be placed in the respective government headquarters.
Practical issues related to the deployment of missions will be addressed separately.
Article 9
Both parties note the commitment of the EU and other donors to create a special package of financial assistance for the parties' joint projects for economic development, connectivity, green transition and other key areas.
Article 10
The parties will establish the joint commission, chaired by the EU, for monitoring the implementation of this agreement.
Both sides confirm their obligations to implement all dialogue agreements from the past.
