Borell tells MEPs: Kosovo is priority

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Josep Borell, the man slated to be the European Union's next top diplomat, said on Monday that an agreement between Serbia and Kosovo is his priority, adding that his first trip as EU High Representative will be to Pristina.

He told a hearing at the European Parliament’s Foreign Policy Committee that the status quo over Kosovo is untenable, adding that more attention should be focused on the issue.

“We will have to work hard to continue the talks. Kosovo must revoke the decision on tariffs and Serbia has to engage itself in a full, deep and honest dialogue,” he said

Asked by MEPs about his engagement in resolving the issue as a Spanish official whose country has not recognized Kosovo, Borell said that there is unity over engagement despite differences over recognition. “We differ on the question of recognizing Kosovo but we are united in our engagement and one thing is clear: Kosovo and Serbia have to find a solution. That is the most important thing and I will do everything in my power to achieve that priority,” he said.

Borell said that Kosovo will not become a UN member without being recognized by Russia and China.