Forecast by American experts: There is peace in the region until Kosovo, Serbia knows each other

The Balkans have lived in uncertainty anxiety since the beginning of the 21st century.

Peace stability is still continuing as warnings of instability in the region mount.

High Policy Director for the Centre for Arms Control and Nonproliferation, John Erath, says that in the Western Balkan region, there is fear that the serious events of the 1990s can be repeated again.

The American expert considers there will be no lasting peace until Kosovo and Serbia find the language of reconciliation and eventually recognise each other.

The security situation remains very sensitive in the Western Balkan region, so attention must be paid. Many citizens have not forgotten the conflicts of the '90s, and some politicians have since continued to be in power. So there is a renewed fear of such serious events. I consider there will be no lasting peace until there is no reconciliation between Kosovo and Serbia, and the states will finally recognise each other. Much more must be done that there is a stable agreement between the”Says John Erath- senior director of weapons control and nonproliferation policies.

Erath, says it is not enough to keep NATO troops at peace in the region until people show more responsibility to avoid conflicts.

Speaking to Kosovo, he says the country has made progress, however, much work remains to be added to key international organisations.

“NATO is very important for peace in the region, but it is more important for people to show responsibility and avoid unnecessary conflicts. Such responsibility is shared by the heads of state with the policies they make. When all countries in the region integrate into the European Union, then there will be a completely different situation because borders would have less meaning. It must be said that Kosovo is in a more difficult position because it is not yet a full member of important international organisations, and this of course complicates things. However, it cannot be denied that Kosovo has made good progress over the years since independence was declared”.

And the former general, commander of the United States Army in Europe, Ben Hodges, says Kosovo must stay very close to the West in these challenging times

I don't think Russia is interested in having conflict in the region, but I think it will do anything to prevent Balkan states from approaching the West. Therefore, it is very important that KFOR soldiers in Kosovo provide security for all communities, truly it is a challenging period. It is in Kosovo's interest to have close ties with West”, It says Hodges tov 1.

In a report published by the United States Intelligence report, it is said that during 2024, the Balkan region may face a risk of localised interethnic violence.