Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)

We are clearly at an early stage in the process and, therefore, a specific timeframe has not been set. The very fact that both parties have indicated a willingness to engage represents significant progress, which is positive. We must not lose sight of the fact that there is still tension, particularly in the predominantly Serb areas of northern Kosovo. Dialogue is extremely important to prevent that tension from escalating into conflict. Careful preparatory work has to be put into ensuring the dialogue is effective and leads to outcomes but, at this stage, we do not have specific timeframes for the conclusion of discussions.

The Deputy raised the issue of the EU membership perspectives. Our view, as a country, has been that we support in principle the membership perspective of all countries in the western Balkans as a significant contributor, ultimately, to stability in the region. Full co-operation with the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia, ICTY, is a prerequisite for that and the achievement of the norms and values and other issues related to joining the EU will also be essential.

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