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Kosovars question proposed dialogue between Serbia and Kosova

Kosova's third-largest political party, the Alliance for the Future of Kosova (AAK) headed by Ramush Haradinaj, has clearly stated that it opposes a dialogue between Serbian and Kosovar institutions on technical questions, Deutsche Welle's "Monitor" reported on 11 March. Such a dialogue has been proposed by Michael Steiner, who heads the UN civilian administration in Kosova (UNMIK). The AAK declared that extensive preparations are necessary before such talks can begin. The party also demanded that the United States mediate the Serbian-Kosovar consultations. AAK Deputy Chairman Bajram Kosumi blasted Steiner, saying: "If Steiner believes that the Kosovar institutions should begin the talks, then he should not tell them how to do it. In other words, the institutions and political leaders of Kosova are not his chess figures, which he can put where he wants." He warned that his party will bring down the Kosovar government if it begins talks with the Serbian side (see "RFE/RL Newsline," 4, 5, and 6 March 2003). UB
...AND SERBS HAVE THEIR OWN OBJECTIONS

Harshly criticizing Steiner's decision to transfer responsibilities to the Kosovar government, an adviser to Serbian Prime Minister Djindjic signaled on 11 March that the planned talks between Belgrade and Prishtina might be postponed, Deutsche Welle's "Monitor" reported. "The whole thing is really hypocritical -- on the one hand, we are invited to hold talks on key issues, and on the other hand they announce a plan for the transfer of responsibilities, which is a catastrophe for Serbia and the Serbian community in Kosova," Branko Radujko said, adding, "The transfer of responsibilities to the Kosovar institutions definitively leads to Kosovar independence, and this is unacceptable for Serbs " (see "RFE/RL Newsline," 10 March 2003). UB

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