The West must react so that Kosovo does not slip into a frozen conflict

The US-based East West Institute, led by former US Ambassador to Serbia Cameron Manter, thus envisions the way to resolve the Kosovo issue and the future of Kosovo.

It's an institute that has an impact on the American public, while the views they put on their reports are exactly the views of experts in the Western Balkans region.

Their plan does not concern the American plan for Kosovo, which has been submitted to Serbia and for which it has written Serbian portal “Blic”, but after it comes to an American Institute behind which the most influential politicians stand, their true views represent the opinion that prevails in the American professional community.

The report, titled “Time for Action in the Western Balkans”, which was published recently analysed, as explained, the need for urgent and innovative action by the United States and the EU aimed at resolving the “interrogative issues” and preventing potential conflicts in the Western Balkans.

In key recommendations for American diplomacy when it comes to Serbia, the report stresses that the UN “states must renew and strengthen relations with Serbia, the largest and most powerful state in the region”.

Although parts of this report have already been published, the portal “Kosev.info”, which has had access to the document itself, announced the details of the chapter regarding Kosovo, entitled “prevents Kosovo from slowly slipping towards the status of the frozen conflict”.

Frozen Conflict

Kosovo is entering a frozen conflict, in which its international status would become its unfortunate reality. The past ten years have shown that even recognition by all EU countries, either by an important part of the international community, will not change Kosovo's status with Serbia, nor reduce Russia's support for Serbia's facilities. The solution requires Serbia and Kosovo to agree on their differences over Kosovo citizenship.

KFOR attraction

This normalisation would yield tangible benefits to the region. This would bring Serbia closer to the EU and allow Kosovo to continue with the process of full membership in the UN and other international organisations.

For example, Kosovo's membership in INTERPOL would enable greater co-operation and co-ordination in the fight against corruption and terrorism.

In time, with the ease of tension, normalisation would allow KFOR, which includes important forces from the United States, to reduce its presence and physical commitment.

To prevent Kosovo's slow slide towards a frozen conflict, the United States must encourage the EU to revive dialogue between Kosovo and Serbia.

Dialogue should lead to the recognition of Kosovo as an independent state from Serbia. The United States must be willing to accept measures the parties agree on as part of normalising their relations.

Transaction of the Territory

In this direction, the US should encourage the EU to revive dialogue between Kosovo and Serbia, with the support of the United States. But even this dialogue may fail to result in normalisation.

New creative suggestions may be needed someday. Serbian President Aleksandar Vuciq has warned of the possibility of a key “agreement” that could include the exchange of territory between Kosovo and Serbia.

Although the idea is attractive as a new escape from Kosovo's slide towards the status of the frozen conflict, our view is that no time has yet come for this idea individually, or as part of a package of solutions containing other compromises, transmits “Zeri.info”.

It is not clear whether Serbian leaders will be able to submit a proposal that would not cause strong opposition in Kosovo. In any case, signalling that Kosovo's borders are fragile and open to negotiations could have harmful effects throughout the Balkans.

A small army for Kosovo

NATO's presence in the Balkans is temporary, so it must remain. NATO's task is to help Kosovo create a small <x0ustra equipped with light weapons”, further following “Zri”. In a recently published report, “Time for Action in the Western Balkans” for each of the Western Balkan countries, including Kosovo, with the exception of a brief description of the problem, is provided recommendations for implementing measures on the road to EU accession, but also for most countries, point out that they express their desire to join NATO.

Russia's influence in Serbia

The permanent conflict also represents a continuing opportunity for Russian influence in Serbia. This great need for normalisation faces serious obstacles.

While the two countries reached important consensus on various issues from the opening of representative offices in Belgrade and Pristina, energy, reciprocity of diplomas, management and customs procedures, many agreements have not been fully implemented.

As a minimum, existing agreements must be fully met in trust on both sides, broadcast “Zeri.info”. Regarding key issues requiring negotiations and reaching an agreement, the parties should be encouraged to agree on the “road map” at the highest level leading to decision-making and implementation.

No interference

In addition to Kosovo's active commitment to this dialogue, Kosovo must take decisive and independent action to reaffirm its commitment to principles that stand at the foundation of the Copenhagen Criteria.

The work of Specialised Chambers must be supported, not hindered. At the same time, the US and the EU should be well consulted in planning the consequences following the establishment of charges.

The US and EU should be ready with messages of support for the country's stability. The US should encourage the EU to reaffirm that Kosovo remains on a reliable path to accession, though much remains to be done.

Serbia must become clear that it has its own approach, which requires recognition of Kosovo and understanding that, when Serbia enters the EU, it cannot prevent possible Kosovo membership at Union”. /Zeri/