Former British Ambassador to the Former Yugoslavia: Serbia takes north, Kosovo Presevo Valley

Former U.K. Ambassador and Balkan-related expert Ivor Roberts has said that in an eventual agreement on exchange of territories between Pristina and Belgrade, Serbia should take the north to the Iber River, while Kosovo should take the Presevo Valley.

He also believes the exchange of territories is acceptable to the entire Balkans.

“I have said that this option is supported by the two presidents -- the one of Serbia and Kosovo -- and that no one from the international community is in position to stand in the middle of the way to prevent reaching an agreement. If both sides reach an agreement, no one should prevent it, and I also said that this is the position presented by the United States of America”, Roberts said in an interview for the weekly {Express.

He has also talked about a new “Congress in Berlin” where all open issues in the Balkans could be addressed.

It's not an ideal solution, but things can never be perfect. Sometimes an inefficient solution may be better than no deal at all”, he has said, adding that the price Serbia must pay is to recognise the independence of the Republic of Kosovo.

The former British ambassador served in the former Yugoslavia during 1994-1997 and had participated in negotiations on stopping the war in Bosnia. He is deeply disappointed that even after 25 years after the Dayton Accord, Bosnia continues to remain a problematic, unstable country with nationalist tensions.

On the other hand, in terms of developments in Macedonia, Roberts has very positively praised reaching an agreement with Greece on the name, saying the Balkans need courageous people like Zoran Zaev's work.

He has also talked about the problems Great Britain is going through with the BRUT situation, saying the Kosovo issue is not a priority.

Kosovo is not on the priority list. People here are worried about the situation in the Middle East and the Korean Peninsula. After BRUX, they believe the involvement of Great Britain in international affairs will demonstrate its global impact. However, I believe that as a result of BREXT, they will weaken international influence, so the idea of restoring their influence to the Balkans seems like an impossible” mission, Roberts said.

The former British ambassador has also talked about Russia's influence in the Balkan region, saying they are very committed to increasing their influence in the Western Balkan region, and that Putin's state is disappointed with Montenegro for NATO entry.

It is only natural that Russia has an interest in the Balkans. Russia respects the will of Balkan peoples, they must be designated for their orientation, pro-Western, prorus, or balanced attitude