United Regions of Serbia (URS) leader Mladjan Dinkic has stated that the problem over custom seals is unnecessary, and that non-attendance of Serbia's officials at meetings which are attended by Pristina representatives is counterproductive.

“There are so many different manners to send a message that we do not and never will recognize Kosovo's independence,” Dinkic said in an interview for Belgrade-based daily Politika, adding that the focus should be laid on the essence rather than formalities.

When asked whether he would accept custom seals and the appearance of Pristina representatives without UNMIK symbols, Dinkic said that the custom seals should have been accepted in a status neutral manner two years ago.

“This issue should not have been tabled. We have turned silly administrative issues into political topics and now we are being conditioned for the EU candidacy. This is an own goal which we kicked for no reason. In the end, instead of custom seals we will get an even worse solution in north Kosovo,” Dinkic said.