Daniel Serwer for Periscope: Serbia succeeds in blaming Kosovo, Kosovo without ideas in dialogue

University Professor John Hopkins in Washington has given his analysis of the isolation being being done to Kosovo, the issue of the Serbian Majority Association, and the approach of Prime Minister Albin Kurti, do not visit the latter to America and the latest event with Dick Marty.

Serwer raised the alarm for escalation of tensions in northern Kosovo, which could be influenced by war developments in Ukraine and Putin's dark ambitions. This, according to Serwer, can easily happen if Russia can invade Donbas.

Total interview:

Periscope: Kosovo dialogue ? Serbia seems to be in a dead end. Do you believe that this stalemate suits Serbia more than Kosovo (considers that Kosovo has ahropic dialogue, if it mentions a lack of recognition from the five EU sides and no membership in important international organisations)?

Serwer: Dialogue is important for Kosovo for three reasons: first, dialogue puts Kosovo in an equal and symmetric position with Serbia; secondly, dialogue has the potential to solve major problems between the two countries, and if dialogue goes well, it pleases Europeans and Americans.

Periscope: Should the Kosovo side be more interested in dialogue? In your opinion, is Serbia exploiting the status quo in this process until it seems to have isolated Kosovars?

Serwer: Serbia has played the game for being very well blamed. While offering little in dialogue, it has convinced the European Union and the United States that the impasse is largely due to Pristina. I think Kosovo's proposal for non-attack was a good way to counter that impression. Kosovo should come to the dialogue table with more ideas and be more open in discussions of other people's ideas. After all, the deal will depend on the exchange for something if it's appropriate, but the process is also important.

Periscope: Kosovo isolation, visa-free and lack of new recognitions. Is it just to get stuck in the dialogue?

Serwer: The alignment in the dialogue does not help anyone, but visa liberalisation and new recognitions were blocked even before the current impasse of dialogue.

Periscope: Prime Minister Albin Kurti has made it clear that the Association of Serbian municipalities will not be formed. What would be your recommendation in this case for the Government of Kosovo?

Serwer: I share concern that association should not become an executive body or create a “Republika Srpska” within Kosovo. But I think Pristina should try for a formula within the parameters defined by the Constitutional Court.

Periscope: Since each option in the dialogue process has almost been cancelled, where do you see it say light at the end of the tunnel?

Serwer: I think the problem may be among generations, but I also think there are some things that need to be done now in order to improve the situation in the future. First and all at first are improved relations between the Kosovo Serb population and the Pristina Government, beginning with the implementation of the Constitutional Court's decision on the ownership of the Decani management, but also going beyond that. Vuciq has given Kosovo Serbs reason to remain loyal to Belgrade. Pristina must give reasons to be loyal to Pristina. The presence of Serbs in Kosovo is a key element in its independent citizenship. Any Kosovo patriot should demand that the rights, ownership and presence of Serbs be protected with determination.

Periscope: Speculations have increased for a possible transition of conflicts in the Balkans after the war in Ukraine. There have recently been several attacks on the police in the North. Do you believe that our region can again be the arena of armed conflict?

SerwerYes, I do. Serbia de facto is Russia's ally, with whom it shares autocratic aspirations and invading ambitions. If Moscow succeeds in Donbas, you can expect Serbia to prove its military force in northern Kosovo. Kosovo should seek out and Americans should send Javenilla and other defence weapons towards the Kosovo Security Force, so by 2027 Kosovo will be able to defend itself without KFOR presence.

Periscope: Our leaders are conducting interviews in prestigious media ( CNN, BBC, Sky News etc. What is seen as disturbing in Kosovo public opinion is the lack of Prime Minister Kurti's visit to America since he took office. How do you comment?

Serwer: Your president and prime minister deserve to be heard in international media. They're doing a good job there. But in the question about visiting the United States, you have to ask the Prime Minister and the Americans. I'm glad to remind you that Albin spoke here at John Hopkins, where I am a professor, many years ago, the same as President Vuciq. I would like to see Prime Minister Kurti again in the United States, but negotiations and conditions are usually needed for such visits before they happen.

Periscope: Dick Marty's statement appeared that the Serbian secret service was planning his murder to blame Albanians. How do you explain that this information was given in public at this very time, since the event occurred many months ago? What could be the possible effects in the entire Special Court process?

Serwer: I don't know why this news came out recently and I don't know who's behind the death threats. Clearly, Marty's report was very favourable for Serbia's perspective. Specialised rooms should proceed, just like any other court, regardless of the recent events, but it should focus on the charges and evidence before it. I also think that its mandate should expand to crimes committed within Serbia, such as killing American brothers Bytyqi.

Interviewed: Sokol Berisha/ Dafina Demak