Former boss of NATO: Kosovo Independence recognition from Serbia key point for Balkans

Former Secretary General on duty NATO, Alessandro Minuto-Rizzo, has estimated that normalising relations between Kosovo and Serbia is key to the Balkans. According to him, the starting point to achieve normality in the region is full recognition of Kosovo's independence from Serbia, and recognition of Serb minorities.

In an interview for KosovoPress, Minuto-Rizzo has said that recent events -- those of tensions in the north following the establishment of reciprocity for license plates -- have signalled that the relationship between Kosovo and Serbia is far from normal.

On the other hand, achieving this normality is a priority. I think it's important that Euro-Atlantic institutions and friendly countries become more involved in this process, so that parties can achieve good compromises in the interest of all. The starting points should be full recognition of Kosovo's independence, and on the other hand, recognition of Serb minorities; they should be considered full citizens, with full protection. If the two key actors remain alone in their disagreements, serious progress remains difficult”, he has said.

Minuto-Rizzo has said the final destination of the Western Balkans is integration into the European Union. According to him, it's normal that there are specific dates for integration.

For Italy's role in the region, he has said he has been constantly supportive.

As for changing administration in the United States, Minuto-Rizzo has said the change has been good development.

“We see a renewed interest in the region, to design stability, facilitate inclusion and resolving open disputes. In that sense, it is accurate to say that the United States is allied with the EU, as both are following the same direction. On the other hand, it also remains clear that old problems cannot be solved with a magic wand. It is up to countries in the region to take their responsibilities to play a positive role in easing tensions and working seriously towards regional co-operation. If local actors are unwilling to show more flexibility and make good compromises, it will be difficult for foreign players to have a real impact”, he has declared.

For the appointment of US Ambassador Christopher Hill to Serbia, following his long experience in the region, former Secretary of State NATO has said there is no reason to suspect that it will use its capabilities to benefit security and inclusion.

The specific issue of negotiations between Kosovo and Serbia is impossible to predict their next outcome. Support will be there, but I still want to stress that local activists must continue in their reform process and also be able to modify the established positions, if they really want to ensure a positive final game, for a long-term and useful perspective for all”, it has ended.

Alessandro Minuto-Rizzo is an Italian diplomat who served as deputy secretary general NATO from 2001 to 2007 and as NATO Secretary General's taskman from December 17th 2003 to January 1st 2004, between George Robertson and Jaap de Hoop Scheffer's mandates. He is currently president of the NATO College Defence Foundation. /KP