German ambassador unlike Kurti: No danger for war between Kosovo and Serbia

German Ambassador to Kosovo Jorn Rohde says there is no danger of war between Kosovo and Serbia, thus commenting on Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti and Serbian President Aleksandar Vuciq's statements. He also said there is no danger for a Republika Srska within Kosovo.

The German ambassador has said it is a rhetoric that is raising emotions and increasing tensions, but that it never helps.

He has said NATO offers security for the whole country.

No. This is a rhetoric that is raising emotions and increasing tensions, and that never helps. Kosovo has the presence of KFOR troops for more than 22 years, and NATO offers security to the country. There are 27 states here contributing to stability Kosovo”, Rohde said, to 1.

On the other hand, Rohde stresses that these are Russia's attempts to destabilise the region and aims to slow down the integration process of these countries.

“What I see are the efforts coming from Russia to destabilise the region of the Western Balkans. Russia aims to slow down the integration process for these countries. The sides must understand that the road to Europe is reached only through co-operation and not confrontation”, he added.

Rohde has called for Brussels' agreements to be respected, as according to him, the Government should be the one who overlooks the problems.

“We have said several times that Brussels agreements should be respected. As those agreements I mentioned earlier for license plates and IDs have been reached, association is an agreement that should be respected and implemented. The question is how? This belongs to the Government of Kosovo as it implements it. There must be proposals from the Government, not increasing the problem. There is no danger of having a Republika Srska within Kosovo”, Rohde said.

Meanwhile, regarding the decision on the Decani Monastery, Rohde said the current government, as well as past governments, has not implemented an agreement, and that, according to him, could undermine Kosovo's credibility.

There are many cases in Europe that can be taken as an example of how to form association, that is mentioned by the Special Representative. Kosovo's constitution has shown what can be done and what cannot be done. Let's not forget one more thing, the Decani Monastery agreement. We have issued five statements because of the failure to comply. It's an agreement not being implemented by this government but also by the past. You have to stand behind those agreements you signed, otherwise you undermine your credibility”, he said further.

Also, Rohde said this issue could become part of the Kosovo application package for admission to the Council of Europe.