Thaci for “Süddeutsche Zeitung” on the 20th anniversary of NATO: Vucciq has lost, I have won

President Thaci in an interview for “Süddeutsche Zeitung has spoken of war, NATO intervention and his reports with Serbian president 20 years after the war, when he was then Minister of Information of Slobodan Milosevic, until Thaci led by KLA.

For “Süddeutsche Zeitung”, Thaci has said this is a difficult relationship, but it is necessary to have an open channel of communication.

Because it is this very dialogue, which has prevented many ugly things that could have happened between our two countries. But I have no pleasure in doing that.

We both know where we're from. But this is not an obstacle for us to work for peace”.

This is Thaci's full interview for “Süddeutsche Zeitung”:

Süddeutsche Zeitung: Do you remember where you were on March 24, 1999, at the time that NATO bombings began on Serbia?

Hashim Thaci: I was in the mountains, on the border between Albania and Kosovo. We had been notified in advance by NATO, that that day the bombing would begin.

Süddeutsche Zeitung: After 20 years, how big is gratitude for the West?

Hashim Thaci: We will forever be grateful. Without military intervention, Albanians today would not exist in Kosovo, and bombings prevented ethnic cleansing.

Süddeutsche Zeitung: There is no true peace in 20 years. To get a seat at the United Nations and access to EU membership, you need to reach an agreement by which Serbia recognises Kosovo as an independent state. Can this still succeed?

Hashim Thaci: No alternative. A peace agreement between Kosovo and Serbia could be as successful as the agreement between Germany and France. On the other hand, Status Quo, in reality means continuous regras, because it destabilises the region.

Süddeutsche Zeitung: Do you have enough domestic support to compromise with Serbs?

Hashim Thaci: More than 70 per cent of Kosovars support dialogue with Serbia.

Süddeutsche Zeitung: Could changes of borders be part of this agreement?

Hashim Thaci: We target a comprehensive agreement, which will eventually resolve all open issues between Kosovo and Serbia. But, so far nothing's on the negotiating table, no map. The subject has become enormous and exaggerated by the media.

Süddeutsche Zeitung: But not just the media are talking about it. Such support exists recently from Brussels and Washington...

Hashim Thaci: I've spoken directly to President Trump. His message to both sides is clear: take advantage of the moment, move forward, and do not let the tragedies of the past repeat.

Süddeutsche Zeitung: Have you put your hopes completely on the United States?

Hashim Thaci: From the past we know that the EU has never been able to solve things on its own.

Süddeutsche Zeitung: Is that true today?

Hashim Thaci: To be honest, even less today.

Süddeutsche Zeitung: Aren't corrections of borders in the very dangerous Balkans?

Hashim Thaci: All Balkan states have open border issues -- from Slovenia and Croatia to northern Macedonia. Just last year, after three years of drama, we went through a border dispute with Montenegro. On such matters, however, we need to be careful.

Süddeutsche Zeitung: In your opinion, how can a correction of the borders between Kosovo and Serbia seem?

Hashim Thaci: For us it is clear, Kosovo will nevertheless remain a multiethnic state and there will be no borders along ethnic lines.

Süddeutsche Zeitung: What is your personal relationship with Serbian President Aleksandar Vuciq? Since the war, 20 years ago, both of you stayed in positions of importance. He as Minister of Information Slobodan Milosevic, you as leader of KLA. Today you are constantly meeting and forced to negotiate...

Hashim Thaci: It's a difficult relationship, but it's necessary to have an open channel of communication. Because it is this dialogue, which has prevented many ugly things that could have happened between our two countries. But I have no pleasure in doing that. We both know where we're from. But doing so is not an obstacle to our working for peace.

Süddeutsche Zeitung: Do you talk about what happened 20 years ago?

Hashim Thaci: He's lost, I've won. But I don't want to upload discussions with the past.

Süddeutsche Zeitung: There are still charges against you personally from the war days. A report by the Council of Europe charges you with involvement in murder and organ trafficking. Recently, an international special court has started working at The Hague to investigate Kosovo war crimes. Are you afraid of court?

Hashim Thaci: These monstrous claims have been constructed in Serbia. But if I'm called, I'm going. It's important to us that truth comes to light.

Süddeutsche Zeitung: How important is past processing?

Hashim Thaci: This is important, but we cannot remain hostage to our past. I'm sure now is the right time for peace.

Süddeutsche Zeitung: Why now?

Hashim Thaci: For the first time in Serbia, we have a conversationor who is willing to sit down with us and discuss all issues, including recognition of Kosovo. And after many years of neglect, there is still great attention to us in the EU and the US. If we lose him now, we risk losing decades.

Süddeutsche Zeitung: Is there a rumor that an agreement can be signed in Washington in June?

Hashim Thaci: It's media speculation again, there's nothing real. But I want to do everything to make sure that such an agreement is blessed in the White House.

Süddeutsche Zeitung: In 2019?

Hashim Thaci: Why not?

Süddeutsche Zeitung: Your vision of Kosovo in the next 20 years?

Hashim Thaci: NATO and EU members. A whole region that lives by European standards. With open limits. The things that we're arguing about today will seem ridiculous.