Interviews with Members of the Delegation for the relations with South East Europe of the European Parliament (in extenso 24`), 2003, www.seetv-exchanges.com

Topics: dialogue Serbia/Kosovo and situation in Macedonia

Partial transcript available in the shotlist of thetransmission of 5 september

Interview 1
Joost Lagendijk, Netherlands
SPEAKING ENGLISH

Interview 2
Johannes Swoboda, Austria
SPEAKING ENGLISH

Interview 3
Doris Pack, Germany
SPEAKING ENGLISH

Interview 4
Sarah Lutford, Great Britain
SPEAKING ENGLISH

Interview 5
Giorgio Lisi, Italia
SPEAKING FRENCH (translated in English below)

INT.5 Giorgio Lisi

On the start of the dialogue between Belgrade and Prishtina

It is expected that the dialogue will be difficult but it is important that it begins. The mere fact that the negotiations have started is positive. The dialogue is supposed to facilitate peaceful cohabitation in the region. I believe that this is possible, this will depend on the will of both sides. It seems that reaching a solution for Kosovo will be difficult in such a short period of time. The parties are talking about dialogue and not about negotiations. This is the first phase but this situation should be directed toward defining the status of Kosovo which should also be the final outcome/result. The formula of dialogue should help avoid failure. The European Union will play its role if it succeeds to keep the flame of dialogue burning.

On the final issue of the dialogue and the EU involvement

What is going on at the moment in Kosovo is a question of power struggle. The talks table should bring together political interlocutors who enjoy the respect of their respective communities who will listen to what they have to say.This is the first prerequisite in achieving concrete results.Even in this case, the role of the EU remains important and also because we have to give impetus to dialogue. At present, our starting point is not equal zero, concrete results have already been made and now it is necessary for the EU to be available and for the political interlocutors to be responsible.

On the eventual extention of the EU military mission in Macedonia

The European Peace Mission in Macedonia is the first mission carried out by the EU and it should not end in failure. This would not be positive neither for us nor for the International Community.It should also be pointed out that the situation hasn't been completely normalized. When I visited Macedonia last year during the election period, I realized that improvement has been made meaning that the necessary conditions for stability are there.If, by the end of the military mandate of the EU stability is not achieved, i.e., if the situation remains fragile I do not exclude the possibility of extending the military mandate which should also aid the authorities in their efforts.

END OF TRANSMISSION