Clark: I hope Kosovo will soon cool off in NATO, Moscow will destabilise the Balkans

For straining the situation in Europe following Russia's aggression in Ukraine, Clark has said it is clear that Moscow is interested in destabilizing the Balkans as well, but says he hopes Kosovo will receive an invitation to NATO membership soon. Likewise, Clark, as one of Kosovo's state-building initiatives, praises its achievements until he sees it as a model state in the troubled Balkan region.

For Serbia, it says it remains in hopes of reaching out from ancient panslavist ideas and joining modernism away from Slobodan Milosevic's ugly ideology.

The American military says the North-Atlantic Alliance must boost security in Europe, as a potential invasion of Ukraine from Russia would jeopardise stability. Clark says it should be supported by Ukraine in any form, until it points out that a bombing campaign like in the case of Kosovo at the moment is not the right answer. However, it stresses that NATO's more direct actions in the future may be necessary.

Express newspaper: We are now seeing how difficult it is for NATO to take action to halt Russian aggression in Ukraine as it undertaken in 1999 to stop the genocide that was taking place in Kosovo by Serb aggression. How difficult did you have to make the decision to launch the campaign of shelling against Slobodan Milosevic's regime?

Wesley Clark: NATO had made it clear to Milosevic and had taken action to confirm that if he resumed ethnic cleansing, he would face the bombing campaign. The decision to launch the campaign [of shelling] was made by the president of the United States and by NATO government chiefs. I have prepared concepts and consulted the decision-making process.

Express newspaper: After the genocide that took place in Bosnia, did Milosevic have to be trusted when he said that “Kosovo is internal matter” and that “would not hurt his people”? Has it been possible to prevent the massacres that occurred?

Wesley Clark: Currently, it was not possible to include Kosovo in the Dayton Peace Process and thus required the escalating Serbian attacks in 1998 to bring about the need for NATO to deal with Kosovo.

Express newspaper: Was there any real danger of starting World War III after the Russian forces entered Pristina in 1999?

No, there was no such danger. He was simply an exaggerated concern expressed by a British general under great stress.

Express newspaper: Madeleine Albright died the day before the 23rd anniversary of NATO's intervention, which she saw as the greatest pride. How do you remember him?

Wesley Clark: Secretary Albright was a powerful, principled leader who defended freedom and democracy she dedicated her life to these principles. She believed the United States should lead. It could be harsh as a advocate to take appropriate action. I was always grateful for her knowledge and support.

Express newspaper: How do you see Kosovo now? Is There Progress?

Wesley Clark: Kosovo has made remarkable progress and is on its way to becoming models of freedom and democracy in the region. I am so glad that the United States was able to help the people of Kosovo start this journey. Now Kosovo needs more investment, the continuation of wise policies and the ability to manage state affairs to build the foundations of its security and economy in a troubled region.

Express newspaper: There are fears and concerns in the Balkans that the conflict in Ukraine can spread to the region, especially in Bosnia and Herzegovina and in Kosovo. Do You Think There Is Real Danger and How to Act NATO in this case?

Wesley Clark: Obviously Russia is interested in destabilizing the Balkans, but this has happened so far. The European Union has reinforced presence in Bosnia and Mr. Dodik has been warned and sanctioned there. Serbia is trying to separate it from the old ideas of panslavism and imperialism and move into the modern world; hopefully that can happen. NATO is ready to help preserve stability in the region; I hope Kosovo will soon be invited for NATO membership.

Express newspaper: In this context, there are Serbian ministers and officials who still honor the war criminal, Milosevic. Do you think his legacy is still alive?

Wesley Clark: There are still radical groups in Serbia and a longing for the ugly dreams inspired by Milosevic. This is a painful thing. Serbia must face the West to find its right future.

Express newspaper: 23 years later, again an aggression is taking place against a European country. Do you think NATO should intervene as it did in Kosovo?

Wesley Clark: NATO must find ways to strengthen security in Europe; A Russian invasion in Ukraine would put him at risk NATO and stability in Europe. For now, NATO member states must do everything they can to help Ukraine protect itself by providing full diplomatic, humanitarian and military support. A NATO air campaign, as we did for Kosovo, is not the right answer at this point, but NATO's most direct actions may be needed at an upcoming moment.