US analysts talk of challenges facing new Kosovo government

Big challenges await Albin Kurti if he takes the lead in Kosovo's new government, says American Balkan Affairs expert Edward Joseph.

Being in government changes people and politicians. It seemed easy for Albin Kurt to criticize from outside and oppose you. It's quite different to go to Brussels or Washington, or wait for senior officials from these two countries and listen to them. We must not forget that Kosovo is dependent on international support. For Kosovo's security, KFOR still has no army. The economy depends on the EU. So Kosovo cannot afford isolation. This should be disfellowshipped”, American analyst Edward Joseph told Voice of America.

But the stances of the Vetevendosje Movement leader, often described as harsh towards the international and insulating factor for Kosovo, do not view analyst Janusz Bugajski from the Centre for European Policy Analysis as a problem.

He is determined to ensure Kosovo's standing, in the economic, political and strategic field. I think that's what America wants. America wants countries that are independent and secure and that require less commitment of American troops. So you want countries that can serve in the alliance. I think that Kosovo, instead of being consumer, can contribute to common security in NATO. In a way I think Kurt is the right person for this”, analyst Janusz Bugajski said.

The most difficult challenge and one of the priorities of the future government is the return to the negotiating table with Belgrade. This is also Washington's expectation, which has appointed two special envoys for Kosovo, US Ambassador to Germany Richard Green, so representatives of President Trump's talks with Serbia and senior diplomat Mattew. Palmer.

It is believed that the appointment of Ambassador Green means interest the White House has in reaching an agreement. Reaching the agreement implies respecting the interests of both sides”, analyst Edward Joseph said.

Analyst Bujaxi says the inclusion of Ambassador Grenelli is the priority Mr. Kurti must use, while he says that Kosovo with Albin Kurt at the helm of the government will have the most reliable negotiating team he has ever had.

“Albin Kurti appears to be among all politicians in Kosovo more pure, because there are no accusations of corruption, no doubts about war crimes, and no part of any government where mistakes have been made. So his hands are clean, and it gives him more authority and puts him ahead of the international community. It will be an interesting mix because on the other hand Ambassador Green has reservations to the European Union and has made numerous criticisms of the German government. Therefore, I think he will not listen much to the European Union's stance and is more interested in pushing forward the American one, which Kosovo should use in its favour”, analyst Janusz Bugajski said.

The expectations are for Kosovo's new government to quickly decide the 100 per cent fee on Serbian products, which also became the cause of disruption.

Belgrade conditions the resumption of tariff-free talks, while the resulting government led by Ramush Haradinaj has resisted American and European pressure to suspend or abolish them.

“Ramush Haradinja would not lift the fee, because it was a principle issue for her. But a new government, assisted by the United States and the European Union, can very easily find the formula with Belgrade. For example, the tariff is suspended, talks resume, and Belgrade gives up some of its objections in the international arena. So I believe that with the unification of the energy of American and European diplomacy, the formula for suspending these” can be achieved, Edward Joseph said.

This scenario, analysts say, is easily feasible. They even see more resistance from the Serb side than that of Kosovo.

More pressure is required, in particular, on Serbia. It takes serious commitment to a good formula, what you're about to release and what you get in return. Russia, which may try to sabotage the process, should also be monitored, as the deal is not in its interest”, analyst Janusz Bugajski said.

In addition to challenges on the international level, Kosovo has big problems on many domestic issues as well. Analysts say parallel work is required in both areas.

The government should focus on both. They must engage in rule of law and the fight against corruption, must take measures not to appoint family and relatives decision-makers. And above all, whatever Albin Kurt's role in the government, he must commit to this to prove that these are the highest priorities for Vetevendosje”, analyst Edward Joseph said.

“I think economic development but also clean hands, transparency, rule of law, justice for those who committed crimes and corrupt officials who abused public office must be the first internal work”, analyst Janusz Bugajski said

Analysts said it is difficult to predict the length of the new government's creation, but they say it should be formed as soon as possible.