Dom: US needs new diplomatic approach in talks between Kosovo and Serbia

Tanja Domi, professor of International and Public Affairs at Columbia University in New York, says the US needs a new diplomatic approach in dialogue on normalising relations between Kosovo and Serbia, which could include sanctions for non-constructive actors, writes Radio Free Europe.

In the interview given to Radio Free Europe, Balkan expert says there has been a disappointment with the EU administration's foreign policy when it comes to Kosovo, despite its historic support for it.

“A new diplomatic initiative that could engage the parties in a way that has not been applied earlier” is more than necessary, according to Dom.

Radio Free Europe: Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti has said the withdrawal of US President Joe Biden from the race for re-election marks the end of an era, especially for Kosovo. Would you agree?

Tanya Domi: Joe Biden is the last person in the federal government, and especially the White House, who has been actively engaged in issues involving Kosovo. Since 1999, it has supported NATO intervention [for halting violence in Kosovo]. She has also been a powerful supporter of the fact that she has been very active in Bosnia and, therefore, well informed of issues on the ground at the time. All the others have left Government some have retired, some have died except for U.S. Secretary of State James O'Brien.

Radio Free Europe: Is there anything that could have been done better during the Biden presidency, when it comes to Kosovo?

Tanya Domi: There has been a general disappointment over Benden's foreign policy, and I agree. I have been quoted in many articles to have said that American officials' interactions with Kosovo either publicly or behind the scenes have been disappointing. There has also been a very aggressive attitude towards [Kosovo Prime Minister Albin] Kurt, who has openly criticized American officials. And that has led to some friction.
O'Brien has been on duty for months and I haven't seen any big difference. This is for pity.

Radio Free Europe: Kamala Harris has provided sufficient support among the Democratic Party delegates to become her candidate for president. But, in her career, the Kosovo issue is not mentioned. How important is this?

Tanya Domi: You won't have any such American officials. If Kamala Harris is elected, she would have to learn about Kosovo. This is how each person acts when he has no experience in foreign policy for a specific country. That's also one of the reasons the State Department and the National Security Council are in the White House.

Radio Free Europe: Former President Donald Trump is, too, up in the polls. What would a second mandate of Trump mean for Kosovo? I want to remember here that, during his first term, Kosovo and Serbia have reached an agreement on normalising economic relations, but his administration officials have been criticised in Kosovo for more animation from Serbia.

Tanya Domi: Yes, I think there has been an open favour to Serbs. Jared Kouchner [the Trump groom] has made an agreement with the Serbian Government for a real estate.
Richard Green, who can become secretary of state if Trump is elected president again, is Serbia's frequent visitor.
So I understand why [in Kosovo] they may feel a little upset about this. It's a difficult situation. Trump, for example, has said he would pull the US out of NATO. That would be a direct blow to Kosovo, which has NATO presence on its territory and which, possibly, ban [Serbia's president] Aleksandar Vuciq cross the border.

Radio Free Europe: Dialogue on normalising relations between Kosovo and Serbia has stalled. Do you think the United States should be more engaged in this process?

Tanya Domi: I think the US has an inheritance in the Balkans, especially in Kosovo and Bosnia. The current administration is not engaged in any diplomatic initiative company. I think this should be revised.
I would strongly recommend a new diplomatic commitment to the region.

Radio Free Europe: Do you expect this new approach from the new administration?

Tanya Domi: I think it's an opportunity to do this, really important.
Radio Free Europe: What would be the way out?

Tanya Domi: A new diplomatic initiative that could engage the parties in a way that has not been applied earlier.
I mean that the continued EU approach has been a failure in this dialogue.

Radio Free Europe: And what would be that new approach?

Tanya Domi: The sanctions policy I think would have to be part of the new initiative. So far there's only been running water, but they haven't started. And the possibility of reviewing this and engaging in another approach would have to be a big company.