Serwer: Kurt must take priority in improving relations with Western allies

Professor at American University Johns Hopkins, Daniel Serwer, says that ideas about dividing territories can be restored in the Balkan region if Richard Greene provides a high position in the new American administration. Yet, it points out that war in Ukraine and China is a top priority in the United States.

Everyone is waiting to see what approach there will be in the Western Balkans, the new US administration under Republican leader Donald Trump.

But according to international experts, the Western Balkans region is not expected to be in Washington's focus.

Professor of Johns Hopkins University, Daniel Cerer, says the war in Ukraine and China will be among the top priorities of the United States.

At this point it is difficult to predict what approach the new American administration will have in the Western Balkans. But what I can say is that the Balkan region is not currently top priority for Washington. For the United States, war in Ukraine, China, tariffs and other issues is a priority. So, at high levels in the US, no one is thinking about the Balkans”, he says.

However, Serwer says the situation can change if former Special Envoy of the Trumpet for the Western Balkans Richard Green provides an important position in the new American administration.

He adds that with Greenell's eventual return, ideas about dividing territories in the Balkans could also be restored, which, according to him, would make up good news for Vuciqi and Dodik.

If Richard Green replaces Jamie O'Brien in the post of Assistant Secretary of State, which is possible, then the ideas for dividing territories in the Balkans can also be restored. Aleksandar Vuciq and Milorad Dodik would be the first to welcome these developments. I hope in Kosovo no one will accept these ideas. Trump's family has economic interests in Belgrade through Jared Kouchner, so I don't expect them to have unfriendly relations with Serbia”, he says of Tv1.

Cerwer has also commented on Prime Minister Kurti's relationship with the United States.

“Albin Kurti has behaved in the way he thinks a prime minister of a sovereign country should be brought in, and this distinguishes him from previous prime ministers. Others before him have accepted directions from Americans, even though they have been harmful, as is the case with the establishment of the Special Court in The Hague. Kurt has not slipped into that trap yet fallen into other traps, partially losing Washington and Brussels' support. Kurti must prioritize the improvement of relations with Western allies”, Cererer claims.

All in the end, the American professor speaks critical of the international community for its soft and flattering approach to Serbia.

He says convinced that the problems between Kosovo and Serbia will not be solved with this approach of the international community.