Knaus: Exchange of Kosovo, Serbia territories brings conflicts

European Initiative for Stability Director Gerald Knaus said the debate on changing borders between Kosovo and Serbia is dangerous and that it could foster conflicts in the Balkans.

“Ide that the best solution to minority problems is their changing borders, has always been dangerous. This approach creates new conflicts in the Balkans and brings us back to the 1980s, when former Yugoslav intellectuals and politicians, instead of the reform debate, have talked about borders and ethnic issues. We all know how this has ended”, Knaus said, broadcast the Balkan Radio Service Free Europe.

Knaus also said Kosovo President Hashim Thaci has no mandate from the Kosovo Assembly to discuss territorial exchange and added that changing borders does not serve the interests of Serbs living in parts of Kosovo and want union with Serbia.

The “ate of Serbs in Kosovo and Albanians living in Serbia should not depend on their governments”, Knaus said.

He said the US administration has changed its position on the issue and that it is not that interested in the Balkans.

When it comes to Russia, Knaus said Moscow wants to prevent Balkan integration into the EU.