That this type of completely unacceptable remarks are continually being repeated does not mean we should accept them in silence.

This would be a positive signal of building confidence, and this is what we need at the beginning of these delicate negotiations.

Our goal is the western Balkans' membership of the EU. Stability in the Balkans is part of our own security.

We will leave nothing untried to protect the basic rights of Abdul Rahman and save his life.

My general feeling of the debate is that there are real efforts to put some of the bitterness that has come along over the last weeks behind us.

My personal assessment is that direct contacts are positive development if it leads to increased dialogue, something that I view positively.