Spahiu: EU, US optimistic that in 2023 there will be final agreement between Kosovo and Serbia

Kosovo diplomat said that in the current geopolitical situation, the international community is seeking concrete results in the dialogue. However, he added, in the first order of the discussion is the definition of Serbia in Russia's side.

“in this situation the international community wants to have a result, determining what appears to be the possibility of passing an agreement that would impose both sides and lead to normalisation and mutual recognition. At this point this is far away to be seen, but diplomatic and political circles in the United States and Europe think this can be achieved next year... In the first order of discussion for the region is Serbia's definition, along with Russia. That is the international community's greatest concern. This is in every process in the region, especially in the dialogue process. Serbia in this situation is not only willing to take a turn towards a regional reconciliation, but is aiming to destabilise peace and co-operation in the Balkans, especially in relation to Kosovo and its subjectivity”, Spahiu said.

The former ambassador estimates that “Pro-Valonone” all drafts being discussed about the final agreement and the establishment of the majority Serb municipalities' Association in Kosovo.

“Drafts that recently appeared are also pro-vative balloons coming from sources that are not clear. We've had the past, or no official paper. Now there is a new wave, the Germans and the French denied that they have prepared such a draft. This latest draft remains suspicious. But the Kosovo government should show in this situation its constructiveity that it is for dialogue, but not at any cost to accept half-term solutions, or any epilogue that would not guarantee normalisation and mutual recognition between the two countries. The Kosovo side should be in continued consultation with our partners, the US and partner countries in the EU over how to proceed further. It is clear, as we have repeatedly complained that Serbia does not show constructive and flexibility in terms of dialogue. All agreements signed on concrete issues have not been implemented”.

For visa liberalisation for Kosovo, Spahiu said it is good news that the EU is moving in this direction, but that the visa liberalisation procedure generally takes three to six months.

This process, as in the case of other states that have removed your visas, will also require a period of three to six months. Because there are procedures to follow. This issue is now presented to the EU Council, the commissions and then to parliament in Strasbourg. The vote is required, then sent to member states, ministries, and ultimately remains signing by member states, so this takes time. But I think it is good news that the EU is moving in that direction and I hope that from spring we will have visa liberalisation”, he said.

As for Kosovo's representation in the margins of the UN General Assembly conference, the former ambassador said it has already become a practice for Kosovo leaders to be present, although Kosovo is not a member of the UN.

He also praised Albania's Prime Minister Edi Rama's speech in defence of former KLA leaders.

However, Spahiu said the head of the Albanian government is using soft policy towards Serbia, and often excusing.

The speech of the Albanian prime minister at the UN General Assembly was something to welcome. It has to do with an issue that has been preoccupied with the entire Kosovo society, with Dick Marty's unfair accusations that were apparently mounted. We have the next aspect of Edi Rama's stance on Serbian politics, which in many situations is too mild and some excusing cases towards Belgrade. We understand that this is done to politics within the open Balkans, which is something the Kosovo side is justly refusing, as it gives Serbia's factorisation in the region”, Spahiu concluded. / KP