US has yet to say its final word on borders, says finally

Voice of AmericaSenator Johnson, you are on a visit to the Southeast European region in a period of heated debate over ideas of border changes between Kosovo and Serbia, as a way to normalise relations between them. How do you view such ideas?

Ron Johnson: From the point of view of the United States, our main message is that the solution must be found on both sides. We are here to support and encourage, but both sides -- Serbia and Kosovo must reach the solution that is not easy. Once they have reached any agreement, we will see it to see if we have any concerns and we will convey those concerns, but now we want to give Kosovo and Serbia space under the European Union umbrella in talks conducted in Brussels to find the solution. I repeat, it won't be easy, but I think he has a sincere desire to find a solution.

Voice of America: Even if there is any exchange of territories between them?

Ron Johnson: I think everyone in the region understands how difficult it will be and people's concerns about it. But we want to stand aside, give the parties the space they need to find their solution. When they decide, we'll see it and if we have concerns, we'll probably say it.

Voice of America: Many warn that a touch of borders in Kosovo could spur similar movements in other parts of the Western Balkans. What do you think are the dangers of such a potential change?

Ron Johnson: I think they're legitimate concerns, and that's why people are very careful. And yet, we will expect to see what agreement the parties can reach, but the concerns are legitimate.

Voice of America: Senator Johnson, Belgrade claims a new situation has been created because, according to him, the United States has changed its stance, referring to a statement by President Donald Trump's security adviser, John Bolton, that the United States would not object to an agreement to exchange territories if the parties agree. Has the American attitude towards Kosovo really changed?

Ron Johnson: I can't talk about administration. But from my point of view, I see that changing tone means that we're trying to stand aside, give the parties space to find a deal between them and then we'll see it.

Voice of America: From your point of view, what should be the solution to the situation between Kosovo and Serbia?

Ron Johnson: It's not up to me to say. It's not for the United States to say it. It is up to the people and leaders of Kosovo and the people and the leaders of Serbia to eventually find solutions, to leave the past behind so that they have a progressive future. The reason why this is important, the reason I was in Greece and Macedonia, has problems that have been put in the Balkans for a long time. There are serious problems. No easy choice. But when leaders can find solutions, it leads to more security and more stability in behalf of all of us in the Balkans. I think the leaders of the region know this and know the fact that they can solve their particular problems. This helps build stability so that you can start attracting domestic and foreign investments. I am grateful for the fact that there are leaders in the region, such as the prime ministers of Greece and Macedonia, and now the leaders in Kosovo and Serbia, who are working hard and I think in a sincere and generous way, in trying to find solutions to these old problems.

Voice of AmericaSenator, you have repeatedly shown concern that Moscow “is doing everything it can to destabilise countries in the Western Balkans and prevent them from taking pro-Western positions. How far is she reaching such a goal?

Ron Johnson: Unfortunately, Russia is a mountain influence. I would like Russia to accept the stretched West hand and try to integrate into our economies and Russian citizens would be much better. Russia offers nothing to Kosovo or Serbia, or sincerely any nation in Europe in terms of economic development. All you offer is destabilisation. So it's a very bad and unfortunate influence. From our point of view we must approach Russia decisively, we must fight its propaganda, resist its destabilising efforts and encourage countries like Kosovo, like Serbia, to look west, continue integration to the west, strengthen rule of law, reduce corruption in order to attract investments. The future is west, on integration into the European Union, with Western economies. There's nothing Russia can offer.

Voice of America: Serbia is Moscow's main ally in the Balkans, while at the same time aspires to membership in the European Union. Can these two attitudes be reconciled?

Ron Johnson: Clearly, I understand every country's desire to have a good relationship with all other countries. But if you want membership in the European Union, you naturally accept its values and foreign policy. Our foreign policy is sustainability, peace within Europe and I stress again, Russia does not have such an approach.

Voice of America: There are observers who think that a change of borders in the Balkans will be able to be used as a measure of adoption of Moscow's territorial claims on countries that were once part of the Soviet Union. What do you think?

Ron Johnson: I think that concern is legitimate that if you start to change borders in a part of the Balkans, there are many such claims of people who want to change borders as well. There are many multiethnic societies in today's world, and people have learned to live together. And again, it's a legitimate concern that if you start to change borders in one space, there will be demands on others, and that may be very destabilising for the region, which Russia would likely support because its only goal is destabilisation because it offers nothing in terms of stability or economic development.

Voice of America: Do you expect agreement this year or at the beginning of next year between Kosovo and Serbia?

Ron Johnson: I know there's pressure to take place within the current European leadership and there's a timeframe for that. At times, such artificial deadlines may move parties to make serious decisions. I think it is possible and of course we want to encourage this, because as soon as Kosovo and Serbia leave the past behind and find a long-term solution to the benefit of both countries is better.

Voice of America: At the end of this month, Macedonia votes in the referendum for its name. How do things look from your point of view? Will it pass this test?

Ron Johnson: I was in Macedonia this morning and talked to the prime minister but also to the opposition representatives. I think there is real desire on both sides to encourage citizens to come to the polls, whether they are for or against. Use the right to vote, and let political representatives know. There are objections in both countries, in Greece and Macedonia, but I am thrilled by the fact that both sides of the political spectrum in Macedonia are encouraging citizens to come to the polls.

Voice of America: If the referendum fails, what will be the consequences?

Ron Johnson: It's an advisory referendum. Political leaders still have the power to implement the decision, but for political reasons they would like successful referenda.