Sarrazine: Hopefully Serbia won't do anything stupid and introduce army or police into Kosovo

On the eve of the Berlin Process Summit in Tirana, the German government's acting officer explains the value of this platform and Germany's demands on Serbia and Kosovo.

Deutsche Welle: Mr. Sarrazin, the situation between Kosovo and Serbia remains tense. How worried are you that this could escalate to an open conflict?

Manuel Sarrazzin: The situation is relatively dangerous. That is why we are seeking disarraying measures from the Serbian side, but to some extent from the Kosovo side. We have a clear promise from Serbia that it will not do anything foolish and include the Serbian army or police in Kosovo. So we're hoping that the situation will be under control now, but we have to take steps further with disarraying measures to keep the situation calm and return to a productive atmosphere.

Deutsche Welle: What is hindering the normalisation between the two countries and the escalation of the situation.

Manuel Sarrazin: On the one hand, we have to have disarray measures. Serbia must make clear that it will not make efforts for violence against Kosovo. There must be a prosecution of the authors of the September 24th attack. And it is also clear that something like this should not be repeated, and that the international community should engage more so that people in northern Kosovo feel secure. Of course, we have open issues with the Kosovar side regarding mayors and special police, these are things that need to be addressed. So these issues should be discussed, but only handling these issues will not solve the problem. So we have to go back to the table to implement the Ohrid Agreement, which was a historic twist, in February of this year, and has not been implemented so far. So we're trying to do both: on the one hand, putting pressure on a disarray on the ground, but not letting this escalation of the situation pass, so that we can no longer talk about the outcome and we want both sides to return to the negotiating table and agree on a path to implementing the agreement.

Deutsche Welle: And how much are you concerned about the Russian influence in promoting these tensions in particular when we see Serbia?

Manuel Sarrazin: Well, I mean, in terms of Russia in the region, especially in Serbia, and to some extent even in the parallel structures of northern Kosovo, it's a bit like Schroeder's cat. Russia is inside, but we will never be able to determine how much. So, on the one hand, we cannot underestimate the theoretical potential Russia is at some point trying to fuel conflict in the region and is also trying to implement it. On the other hand, it might also be a big excuse for some people to say, Oh, it wasn't us, it was Russia. So in the end we will not be able to answer that question. And so far we don't have any clear signal that the situation from September 24th could be a Russian plot or a Russian plan in advance, at least. Of course, they will try to use the current situation and conflict lines to weaken us.

Deutsche Welle: Germany will send, as part of KFOR, a company to replace an Austrian company in April 2024. Do you think a stronger military presence within Kfor can help this situation?

Manuel Sarrazin: We have said that we are willing to send more troops and now it is up to the partners to decide which capacities are necessary and to what extent and what is the right moment. I am sure that a strong Kfori is not only a signal, but can also help to better close the border for weapons coming from Serbia to Kosovo. So, of course, it's reasonable. Except for the political signal on the ground.

Deutsche Welle: Minister Baerbox was in Tirana to prepare the Berlin Process, Chancellor Scholz will be there soon for the summit. How strong is the mechanism of the Berlin Process itself to contribute even to the escalation and reduction of tensions?

Manuel Sarrazin: Well, I think every picture where the six are sitting together at the table and they may be fighting or not, but they sit together and even agree on the economic benefits for all parties by signing agreements are positive signals. Perhaps not concrete disarray, but indirectly: This will show people that they can believe that the region will move forward as whole towards the European Union. Even though we have this very, very dangerous situation in the field, Banjska, after September 24.

Deutsche Welle: And how positive is the prospect regarding these countries' ambitions to join the EU?

Manuel Sarrazin: Well, I would personally like to see more progress, and I think most representatives of the countries in the region would like the European Union to show more positive signals in the region. So I think we should try both sides. The countries must carry out more reforms to meet the Copenhagen criteria and come in line with the acquis and the joint regional market. And now the Berlin Process, with the effort to revive the Common Regional Market may be a tool for achieving this. But, of course, the European Union must also keep its promises. And when progress is achieved we should also take steps in the enlargement process on our part.

Deutsche Welle: And one last question. Is it clear to countries that if tensions continue to remain as high as they are, the road to the European Union becomes more difficult?

Manuel Sarrazin: Well, I think that's obvious to all and that's why such a situation can be toxic not only for Kosovo and Serbia, but for the whole region, because people can lose hope in developing the region if the violence returns. So we can't allow this. /DW