Faith: Kosovo not to make unnecessary mistakes

Dutch diplomat Pieter Feith, even though he has completed the mission for Kosovo, continues to this day to follow the political developments in the country.

Therefore Feith, Kurti has suggested that he do not make unnecessary mistakes at this time, given geopolitical developments. However, he says he understands the difficulties facing the newest state in Europe.

I would suggest Kosovo continue with this moment, and achieve results. We know it would be as easy as it wasn't until now, because Serbia is led by an authoritarian ruler who is unpredictable. You know we're in the middle of a geopolitical crisis now, and the security situation is very, very difficult at the moment. We know Serbia's position on war in Ukraine and friendship with Mr. Putin is not well accepted in Brussels. It is clear that Aleksandar Vuciq is not taking steps towards recognising Kosovo's independence. However, at this stage Kosovo should not make unnecessary mistakes. I think Kurt's approach to dialogue has been more nationalistic compared to past leaders, but it must be said that it has also shown constructive”, he has declared.

The Dutch diplomat has also talked about European elections to be held this year. According to him, right parties in Europe can pose risks to Kosovo, but as he says there is no reason for panic.

He now considers that mediator Lajcak has done a good job in dialogue, and that the mandate must continue.

There will be risks in the future, not only from European elections that will bring more rightist parties, but also with the results of US elections, which can bring Mr. Trump the second term. The expectations are not very positive, but there is no reason for panic, there is no reason to think that the EU will change its position on Kosovo. I appreciate that Mr. Lajcak has shown great energy in pushing ahead of the process and preserving the moment. If there's not enough progress so far I don't think we can blame Mr. Lajcak for this. It is important to have an approach, and I mentioned some of the problems Kosovo faces with Serbia at the moment”, he added.

All in the end Feith says there is disappointment in Brussels about the way Serbia's president, Aleksandar Vuciq, is behaving.

I think that based on evidence and facts about this attack, I think there is a clear assumption that this attack would occur without the support of Serbian government institutions. There is great disappointment over Mr. Vucinac towards Kosovo. As Serbia's ties with Russia draw closer, so is this distressing moment. As for Brussels, it is not clear whether Vucic prefers to be an EU member, or if he prefers to be on a line with Russia, it is not yet clear. But what can be said is there is no strong commitment on the part of Belgrade, to mark progress towards EU membership”.

The European bloc has made it known that they are working to persuade the parties to sit down again at the negotiating table. /tat1