The Year 2019 of the Historic Decision

The major historical turnings, which have established the fate of countries and peoples around the world, have often resulted from even one decision. So it has been with us. The history of our people is determined by bright moments, when we have made righteous but wise decisions at the right time, which are supported by powerful states. We would not be honest with ourselves if we felt that there were no occasions when we lost historical opportunities because of lack of decision - making or wrong decisions.

Such a defining or crucial moment, which should happen in the near future, is linked to the final agreement for full normalisation of relations with Serbia. I think there is no better moment than now to achieve lasting and final peace. Political circumstances in Kosovo and Serbia enable such an agreement. Meanwhile, in favour of the full exploitation of this historic opportunity are the US and the EU. We don't have time to lose now, but with intelligence and unity we have to decide to close the century-old conflict with Serbia and open it to peace. History, time, and future generations will judge us for the right action or loss of opportunity. I want to be remembered for the first one.

A Letter, a Meaning

US President Donald Trump's letter was expected to make quite a stir in Kosovo. There is no way it would be more direct and leave no room for misinterpretation at all. Americans aren't known for two-way access, much less the current president of the United States of America. He is direct and his message to Kosovo does not have to be clearer. But we never underestimate our tendency to interpret things the way they fit our personal, group, or party agenda. We live in a world where everyone is free to understand and misunderstand things as they please, and without any responsibility to pack them for the general public. But truth is one.

President Trump's letter has only one very clear meaning. And it is extremely important that our public opinion does not divert orders from the most powerful state in the world, the chief ally of our country.

The contents of US President Donald Trump's letter had two essential goals. First, there was a call and encouragement for all Kosovo leaders to exploit the moment created and make comprehensive peace agreements with Serbia. Also aware of the existing polarizations, which are dangerous, President Trump also called on us to be united and to talk unanimously about the agreement.

While the second essential message is related to the meaning of the seriousness of the situation and the exploitation of the unique opportunity to reach the agreement. President Trump made it clear that our eventual failure to reach the agreement could have tragic consequences, not only for Kosovo, but even wider. So it also warns us that we should be careful and refrain from decisions that can make a peaceful agreement even more difficult.

The decision is ours.

We are blessed to have powerful allies in the world. After all, we have US support. This year we marked the 10th anniversary of our state's independence. Everyone has been waiting for us, as leaders and our state institutions, to behave differently. Witnessing that we have sufficient political maturity and maturity to keep Kosovo in the right direction, it towards Euro-Atlantic integration. They expected us not to be so divided with each other on issues that are directly related to our state interest. But we have often disappointed our international friends. So they are forced to give us their best advice for ten years after the establishment of our country. It would be good for us to find wisdom and courage in order to make a bold, wise, timely decision once. Moreover, we still have support for this decision by our allies, who are under obligation to respect it. So there is no room for fear and conjecture. Remember the last episode of our failure. Despite our international partners' advice and insistence on ratification of demarcation with Montenegro in 2016, as the only condition for visa liberalisation, we failed to do so. Furthermore, Kosovo suddenly turned into the arena of violent protests. Thus, with the greatest ease, and thanks to false political causes, we lost the moment and managed the EU to make the decision to abolish visas. In the end, it took two years of monotonous and depletion debate on the issue, for the same agreement to be ratified by the Kosovo Assembly. What does Kosovo gain from all of this? Nothing but continuing isolation.

Therefore, I hope that the country's leaders in 2019 will be willing, without hesitation to make difficult but necessary decisions, for state interest and peace in the Balkans and beyond. For my part, I want to assure citizens that I will not hesitate for a moment to make decisions in the interest of our state and in line with the friendly advice of our allies, respectively, the US.