Kosovo must not bow to Turkish pressure

The way the deportation of six Turkish citizens, who have not violated the country's laws, clearly shows Kosovo's vulnerable geopolitical position in the middle of Turkey, on the one hand, and the European Union and the United States, on the other, says Edward Joseph, Balkan Affairs expert at Johns Hopkins University. He told Voice of America that Kosovo should not bow to Ankara's pressure and must not take actions that could harm its relations with the European Union.

Voice of America: Mr. Joseph, the arrest and deportation of six Turkish citizens last week in Kosovo has triggered numerous reactions. Interior Minister and Director of the National Intelligence Agency were dismissed. How do you see these developments?

Edwards Joseph: This clearly shows Kosovo's vulnerable geopolitical position in the middle of Turkey on the one hand, and the European Union and the United States on the other. Of course, Kosovo has close relations with Turkey. Many Kosovo citizens visit and spend holidays there. There is a close bond and a tendency to draw close to the people and government of this country. Unfortunately, this country's government under President Erdogan is becoming increasingly authoritarian and problematic, and it is clear that pressure from Ankara has pushed authorities in Pristina to arrest these teachers, who reportedly have not committed any violations, have violated no Kosovo law. So this has caused problems in Kosovo, where it seems she has simply humbled herself before Turkish pressure to deport people who have respected Kosovo's laws, and have been expelled without a proper legal procedure and without evidence.

Voice of America: Besides political influence, Turkey also has a strong economic presence in the country. Turkish businesses manage Kosovo airport and electricity distribution network. In your opinion, can this put Kosovo in a more difficult position in relation to Turkey on this issue?

Edwards Joseph: There is no doubt that economic investments can buy political influence. This is clear all over the world. The question about Kosovo is, where do you see your future, including economics? What, in the end, is the biggest investment market and the one for attracting investments, Western Europe with the most attractive markets in the world, or Turkey? Kosovo needs investment. So it is understandable that Kosovo wants Turkish investments. What is most difficult to understand in this case is handing over Ankara's pressure without first respecting international laws and the process that must be followed for the extradition of persons. Kosovo may have good economic relations with Turkey and at the same time not break its obligations to the European Union or damage relations with Brussels. It is true that Turkey is a great country, but that does not mean that Kosovo must respond to any demands. There are various ways to respond to the demands of other countries. An interesting comparison would be that of the United States' response to Turkey's call for the extradition of Gulen, the leader of the movement Erdogan insists is organising the coup effort. The United States has not formally rejected Turkish demand for extradition, nor has Prime Minister Haradinaj nor President Thaci need to offend Erdogan or Turkey. They can respond by saying they understand his concerns and that they will investigate cases by observing the rules and procedures in force. So there is a way to do so without offending Ankara and at the same time not to bow down immediately before Ankara's pressure. We also need to understand that Turkish investments in Kosovo are not charity actions. Turkish companies invest in Kosovo because they see potential for profit. So we need to know that Turkey has interests in political and economic relations (with Kosovo), so attracting investments due to anger over this situation would be harmful even to Turkey itself.

Voice of America: In your opinion, what should be done about the lack of transparency and the enlightenment of the circumstances under which the operation is conducted?

Edwards Joseph: I think the government has already taken some clear steps with the dismissals. It is important to learn more about the fate of six expelled persons and the position on the issue. Of course, an investigation is needed to understand the details of the operation - who was aware of it and how much they knew about it. But it will be difficult to understand exactly what happened. Most important is that Kosovo, the president, prime minister, parliament, the opposition, must understand that disrespecting the law brings consequences. So handing over to Erdogan is not a wise move, even for a small country like Kosovo. Even a small country can find better ways to manage relationships.

Voice of America: Is this case expected to affect relations with the European Union?

Edwards Joseph: Any Kosovo action that questions respect for rule of law undermines its aspirations for membership in the European Union.