American analyst: Special invitation, good opportunity to whiteen crimes weighing on Kosovo

Therefore, according to him, presenting former Prime Minister Haradinaj to The Hague is an important opportunity to move forward, answering questions about allegations of criminal acts in the past.

In an interview for Voice of America, Professor of Conflict Management at Johns Hopkins University also stressed that Mr. Haradinaj's resignation could have a temporary impact on Kosovo-Serbia dialogue.

On Wednesday, Special Court prosecutors at The Hague questioned former Kosovo Prime Minister Ramush Haradinaj in the quality of the suspect. Mr Haradinaj on Friday resigned from the post of Kosovo prime minister after receiving a call for questioning by the Special Court. How do you see these developments?

Joseph: This is an unusual situation. Of course, in the case of former Prime Minister Haradinaj, it is not an unprecedented case. This has already happened once in the past in 2005. From my point of view, this is actually an important opportunity for Mr Haradinaj and Kosovo. Past crimes -- those of the Serbs against Albanians, Albanians against Serbs and other Albanians, or unresolved crime that may have been committed by the Serbs against Oliver Ivanovic -- burden Kosovo. In fact, this is an important opportunity for Mr Haradinaj and for Kosovo to move forward, appearing before an open court and openly answering questions about past actions and allegations of criminal acts in the past.

What impact do you think Mr Haradinaj's resignation will have on developments in Kosovo?

Joseph: This is a major development for domestic policy in Kosovo. Former Prime Minister Haradinaj had deep objections to President Thaci's approach to important talks with Serbia and discussions on Kosovo's recognition by Serbia, which is part of Kosovo's overall path towards UN membership, its operation as a normal country and at the end of its membership in the European Union, which is important for both countries. So this development brings a new element: the removal of Mr. Haradinaj right now from the equation. But on the other hand in his resignation announcement, he insisted that his firm stand against any territorial division of Kosovo, or establishment of an entity like Republika Srpska within Kosovo, which apparently has support within his party and in Kosovo. / VoA/