Euronews: Kurti and Svechla risk being declared “non-grata”

By Euronews Albania,  The first phase of sanctions would envision freezing EU funds, the visa liberalisation process, the membership process for the Council of Europe, US funds and other Western-funded projects.

The second phase would see Kosovo's allies take a passive stance on Serbia's non-recognition campaign against Kosovo, the reshuffle of international military presence, and the serious reduction of the American contingent and the exclusion of Kosovo by several international organisations.

It also envisions individual sanctions against Prime Minister Albin Kurti and Interior Minister Svecla if the situation on the ground deteriorates further. This may include declaring the two as “grant with the excuse that they pose a threat to security and peace”.

The document says that “transatlantic community has a vital need not to allow a crisis centre behind contact lines with Russia... With the launch of the Franco-German plan, there was the conviction that problems would arise with the Serbian side, as a stubborn and unconstructive side. ”

It continues, “nobody expected it would be the Government of Kosovo that by its actions would promote uncertainty and spur crises and conflicts”.

The text continues that the Western community is without patience and requires a “clear response from the Government of Kosovo. Is he a transatlantic community partner?

It says that being a partner means unconditional fulfillment of all obligations, and “failure to do so means consequences”.

Compared to criticism against the current government, the document criticises the opposition in Kosovo and accuses them that “do not understand the depth of seriousness of the situation and the real danger for Kosovo”.

It adds that the opposition must come out and state clearly whether it is for the fulfillment of Kosovo's obligations in the dialogue.

The fact that the opposition does not do this generates distrust and designs opportunism,”, he adds.

Finally, the text says that “if Kosovo fails to meet its obligations, it jeopardises its” future.

Euronews Albania asked the European Commission if they were aware of the document and agreed on such possible measures.

A spokesman replied: “We do not comment on alleged leaks, and in particular not on something that claims to be a third country's alleged document regarding the EU's alleged actions. ”