Feith: ICJ Opinion May Ease Tensions

Pieter Feith

In an interview with Reuters news agency on Monday, Feith, who is also the EU special representative in Kosovo, didn't go into details on how this might be possible.

“After the International Court of Justice, ICJ, gives its advisory opinion on the legality of the independence declaration, I suppose and I hope that communication, contacts and over time, negotiations could start between Belgrade and Pristina,” the agency quoted him as saying.

After Kosovo's ethnic Albanians declared unilateral independence in February 2008, Serbia, which strongly opposes the country’s independence, took the case to the ICJ. The Court held public hearings from December 1 to 11, and judges are expected to deliver an opinion within the next few months.

Feith pointed out that Pristina could not progress towards the EU without closer relations with its neighbors and a robust fight against crime.

"When I am talking about combating corruption and organised crime, in my concept this means very serious incisive steps, and includes also that persons who are tainted, who are being investigated, should not be part of the inner circle of power," he said.

Feith also addressed the recent U.S. State Department report which cited Kosovo as a transit route to Europe for drugs from Afghanistan.

"Kosovo needs to improve its international reputation and image (...) It is so important that we get rid of corrupt personalities in this country." Feith said.