The more so are we, civil society representatives from Serbia and
Kosovo, convinced that our common aspirations towards European
integration can be attained only if we demonstrate understanding and
respect for mutual interests and needs.
These aspirations also necessitate that we
seriously consider and better adjust our duties and responsibilities
to the spirits of times and citizens' expectations.
We, representatives of this part of civil society,
wish to encourage the search for solutions to many open problems of
the interest to both parties. The need for bilateral relations in
all areas - from freedom of movement to economy and culture - by far
exceeds formal and real obstacles. For, every delayed solution to
citizens' everyday, real-life problems puts off our mutual, European
agenda too.
True membership of the family of European nations
calls for a change in the decade-long mentalities and fundamental
Europeanization of societies from which no one should stay aside.
We are faced with complex problems and citizens'
high expectations for a different reality. And this different
reality calls for a change in social climate and value systems.
Serbia can lift the burden of the past from its shoulder only
through sincere development of neighborly relations. This implies
making a breakthrough in the acceptance of the new reality in Kosovo
- independence.
Bearing in mind the significant role of civil
dialogue in all post-conflict societies and the common course
whereby this part of civil society can contribute to further
normalization of bilateral relations, we appeal to governments of
Serbia and Kosovo, as well as to the international community to
provide support to our activities and endeavors. |
