Kurti: Kosovo at risk

The interview of Republika Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti, given for “Milliyet”: “Kosovo is at risk” Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti, speaking of Milliyet, said the “Balkan six-x6> -- especially Kosovo -- is at risk due to Russian pressure and influence. Fatma G. Kabasacalı / ANTAIIA ) While Russia's attack on Ukraine also worries Balkan countries, Kosovo -- one of the 6 countries known as the “Balkan six-point” -- feels the threat of Serbia, which has close military, political and economic relations with the Kremlin. Responding to Milliyet's questions, Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti said that in six states known as the “Balkan Outlet” (Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Northern Macedonia, Montenegro and Serbia) is a “hybrid war” in which various actors under Moscow's influence and control try to spread Russian hegemony”. Prime Minister Kurti warning that Belgrade and Serbs in Bosnia can use the Kremlin to spread conflict in the region, while repeating his country's bid for membership in the European Union (BE) and NATO. Saying they've originally condemned Russia's military attack on Ukraine, Kurti said that “There is a Russian Humanitarian Centre in Nis, Serbia and the Sputnik regional centre in Belgrade. The Serbian entity in Bosnia also plays the role of the Kremlin substitute. I believe Serbia and the Serbian entity in Bosnia can be used by the Kremlin to spread the conflict. Because they want to produce a new Yalta Conference that causes separation to create a violent influence. Therefore, I think the Six of the Western Balkans in general, but Kosovo in particular is at risk”, he said. EU money, Russian weapons Retrieving attention to Serbia's military proximity to Russia and Belarus, Prime Minister Kurti said: Serbia has been seeking EU money and Russia's weapons for more than 10 years. He also continues to buy military equipment from Russia and Belarus. I hope the EU will say Belgrade as soon as EU funds are not given without EU values” is he saying. Kurti said “Serbia has allocated 3 per cent of its national income for military equipment and training. There are 14 Mig-29 fighter planes, 8 of which were given by Belarus and 6 from Russia... Ties between Serbia and Russia are broad and deep, I think that for long-term lasting security and peace, the entire six of the Western Balkans must be joined in the EU and NATO as soon as possible. There was no situation that Turkey has not supported” “President Recep Tayip Erdoğan's support for Kosovo's NATO membership [...]