Change of border são ends conflict between Kosovo and Serbia

Ratification of the Prespa Agreement has brought an interesting moment to the Western Balkans. But besides, dialogue between Kosovo and Serbia requires its time. The American Institute for Foreign Policy in the United States, which analyses the Euro-Asia region and the Western Balkans. The representative of this Tank-Tanku, Richard Kreimer, has given an interview for the newspaper “Century” The main problem remains in respecting institutions and avoiding nationalism in the Balkans.

Mr. Kreimer, how has the situation changed in the Western Balkans?

Kreimer: I see the new current situation in the Western Balkans as promising, but also uncertain. The signs of promise are many. The big news came from Brussels, where Northern Macedonia Foreign Minister Nikola Dimitrov and Secretary General NATO Hans Stoltenberg signs the country's accession protocol. It is excellent to see the benefits of NATO membership in a well-deserved candidate. Also promising were Bosnia's elections in last October, where voters chose a truly democratic Croat as representatives of the group in its three-presidentica, instead of its main opponent, ultra reaction nationalist Dragan Covic. Meanwhile, Serbia's military co-operation with NATO is on the rise. Issues of concern include the issue of resolving the already resolved trade between Kosovo and Serbia; the growing iredentistic rhetoric by the Serb representative to the Bosniak presidency, Milorad Dodik and his partner in the Covic crime; and, of course, Russia's continued interventions to keep the Western Balkans quite destabilised in order to prevent further integration with European institutions.

- One of the main issues is judicial reform in Albania. Do you see any progress in this matter? What is the key issue Albania must resolve to make open negotiations with the EU?

Kreimer: I cannot speak only of Albania, I can say that I have seen in other countries in the Balkans that many laws look good on paper, but on the other hand they suffer from their non-compliance. Any country intended to join the European Union would benefit only by showing their commitment to democratic institutions both in word and in action.

-In terms of the Kosovo-Serbia dialogue we've seen some different conclusions. What is your opinion on the situation, when the territorial exchange option is laid and the tax on Serbian goods is imposed?

Kreimer: These are two separate cases. Starting with a discussion on changing borders, I firmly claim that it is not in the long-term interest of all citizens of Serbia and Kosovo, nor the region opening up Pandora's Box of dangerous consequences in other countries like Bosnia and Ukraine. Change of borders does not change the bases. Take Kosovo. Most ethnic Serbs live south of Ibri, while there are hundreds of valuable and important cultural sites of religious heritage. Who do you really think in the near future will not have any other worthless politician in Belgrade, which begins the campaign with an ultranationalist platform, which promotes dissatisfaction with those ethnic Serbs in Kosovo who were “back to” along with the monasteries? The movement of the border line would not put an end to such a story. As for current tariffs, those Pristina politicians who support them would be important for them to be reviewed. Given the noted talks on border changes, their unwillingness to appear capable of a compromise strengthens the hand of those politicians who advocate the idea of a border change in Washington and Brussels.

- Do the United States agree with this status quo?

Kreimer: Based on statements made by US foreign policy officials, the United States wants to see alike as many of us do the normalisation of relations between Serbia and Kosovo in a manner that is consensual and mutually acceptable between the parties. My hope is that this is a negotiation process of how open, transparent and inclusive.

- In your opinion, is there any possibility of the Western Balkans doing anything about the US presence and avoiding its filtering with Russia?

Kreimer: I don't know the US presence in the Western Balkans from that of NATO. As a key member of this transatlantic alliance, the US has been consistently and insist on supporting its expansion in those Balkan states that effectively meet membership criteria. As for the current administration in Washington, I am encouraged based on a number of charges, ranging from the visit of Vice President Pence to Montenegro in 2017, to administration officials who have taken over the implementation of the Prespa Agreement. Such actions, for my knowledge, are done with awareness and co-ordination with our NATO allies. For now, I very carefully hope that such continued involvement will continue for the sake of the region and for European and American security interests.