Fried: Kosovo government is making Belgrade look damaged

The American diplomat has made these statements while commenting on the recent actions of the Government of Kosovo, including the closure of parallel structures and branches of Serbia's Post in the north, and the goals of opening the main bridge over the Iber River.

According to him, it is not in anyone's interest that Kosovo has disagreements with its friends.

In an interview conducted in the margin of the Globsec security forum, held in Prague, Fried has also talked about Russian influence in the Western Balkans, and US access to the region, depending on who wins the American presidential election, in November.

Radio Free Europe: Mr Fried, Kosovo has recently been criticised by the West for unilateral steps, about the attempts to open the bridge over the Iber River for vehicles, for closing parallel institutions, for closing the Bank of Serbia in northern Kosovo. How do you see the steps of government?

Daniel Fried: I see them with much difficulty. So, I don't understand why the Government of Kosovo is crashing into the United States. The Kosovo government has somehow managed to make the Serbian government in Belgrade look like a damaged party. I didn't think that would be possible, but she did. This means that the United States is being ignored and the clash with Kosovo friends is not in anyone's interest.

Kosovars do not need an American to show that some people within [the former American president's administration, Donald] Trump have great sympathy for Serbia. If Trump wins, that sympathy can come back. I see no reason to justify the policies of people who would put pressure on Kosovo for no reason, and keep Serbia comfortable when it is not in anyone's interest.

Therefore, the actions of the Government of Kosovo are puzzles to me. I read American Embassy statements and anger is clearly evident. Again, I see no interest.

It is not as if I have great sympathy for Serb separatists in the north, or for people who have made the bridge a hot issue. I understand my anger. But there are ways to treat and not discuss the subject. I have in mind the Kosovo flag. That flag was designed to look like the European Union flag. Stars on the flag represent Kosovo's population. He's not an American flag, he's Kosovo. It is a wonderful flag, which shows that Kosovo is not a creature of ethnic nationalism, but is a place of all those living in it. This is the American and European Union view. Therefore, I do not understand what the Government of Kosovo is doing.

Radio Free EuropeThe government says it is extending sovereignty to the north. The West, on occasion, has said that the steps of the Government are in accordance with the Constitution, but has called for time co-ordination.

Daniel Fried: That's the problem. I've been very closely involved in Kosovo's independence. During [the former US president's administration, Goerge] Bush, I was one of the earliest voters, and I negotiated with the European Union and European states, so I know the story there. In the American view, Kosovo is a sovereign state, has rights, but must exploit those rights intelligently and not only by taking a bold stand, and for other people to do the hard work of dealing with the consequences.

The main goal is Kosovo's position in the world, in Europe and I hope in the future, even in the European Union. But this should be done in a way that is stable, and not in a way that creates disagreements between Kosovo and its friends. In whose interest is this?

Radio Free Europe: The European Union is mentioned. Most say dialogue between the two countries, mediated by the European Union, has failed. How do you see this, and what must be changed under the new leadership to turn it into track?

Daniel Fried: Serbia wants to keep a leg in Europe, one foot in Russia, a little movement towards China. This is a popular game, and I find it a better idea for Kosovo not to play similar games, but to work with the European Union, to strengthen its position. Yes, dialogue may have difficulties, but if the problem, according to Kosovo, lies with Serbia's unwillingness to admit that Kosovo has lost through its actions, at its own expense, then Kosovo must do everything it can to make clear that its future is with Europe, and I hope that one day even in the European Union, like Serbia, what helps to minimise these problems.

Radio Free Europe: Do you believe that, as they say, the European Union is somehow petting Serbia?

Daniel Fried: I think Kosovo's actions are making it difficult to start a sincere conversation with Belgrade, which would have to happen. It seems to me that it is in each of them's interest to help the Serbian government understand that it needs to recalibrate its approach, but that's getting harder when everyone is angry with the Government of Kosovo. It is important to say that it is painful because we have had an agreement with Kosovo when we have worked towards independence, which Kosovars have said will live “in line with the values of Europe and the United States that have saved us”.

Our view has been that, okay, we will advance the issue of independence and bring an end to the United Nations administration that has obviously not worked. Kosovars have kept that word for many years and appreciated it. They did a lot of good work. I also understand the anger of the current government of Kosovo, of course.

They are facing a history of atrocities committed by Serbian nationalists and the Serbian government at the most severe time. I understand that. She doesn't forget. So, where is the wisdom of the damaged position, and making Serbia look like a damaged party? Anyway, excuse my honesty.

Radio Europe and FreeSay you don't understand what the government is doing. What then should I do? What is your advice to Kosovo Government and Prime Minister Albin Kurti?

Daniel Fried: There are many Europeans and Americans who have knowledge, and they are angry at the games Belgrade plays. The heart of the problem is not Kosovo and the desire for sovereignty and independence. The heart of the problem is that Serbia does not recognise Kosovo.

Radio Free Europe: How should dialogue between the two sides end?

Daniel Fried: Whatever the end, there should be mutual recognition, recognition of Kosovo, as a European state, with European future, plus this should also be part of the agreement to be recognised that Serbs in Kosovo are not foreigners, they are not dangerous aliens, not to have any element of doubt or contempt, but to be seen as the constituent people of Kosovo. It's on the Kosovo flag.

And if Kosovo Serbs are uncomfortable with the border, the ultimate answer is membership in the European Union. The border disappears. It's brilliant, simple. Look to the reward: an independent Kosovo, in the European family, with rights for all Kosovo residents.

Radio Free Europe: Is there risk of destabilisation if the two countries continue to do what the West considers one-sided actions?

Daniel Fried: Yes. If provocations exist, they can produce bad consequences. I prefer Kosovo to follow the implications of its flag, having the model of the EU.

Radio Free Europe: Does it have Russian influence in the region?

Daniel Fried: Of course.

Radio Free Europe: How is that effect extended?

Daniel Fried: The Kremlin feeds on chaos and strife. I haven't studied this issue on my own, but I don't doubt that Russian dezinforms, fake websites, are raising tensions. For them, it makes sense that the Russians will start gossiping about whether Kosovo's atrocities against Serbs, or whether Serbs' new attacks on Kosovars, only with the intention of increasing tensions. That's what they want.

Radio Free Europe: The best way to combat that influence?

Daniel Fried: Truth and political processes, meaning that when there are rumors, the Government of Kosovo calls its people, who believe them, who can work with the Serb community, to show that what you hear is not true. Or, for the Serb community to be able to call the Kosovars and ask them what is happening and learn the truth quickly. It's easier said than acting, right? But it can be done.

Radio Free Europe: How have you seen the visit of Central Intelligence Agency director (CIA), William Burns in the region?

Daniel Fried: I don't know the details of the visit. I know Burns for years. He is a wise and caring person. He is practical, calm, deeply approaching problems. I have a lot of faith in him.

Radio Free Europe: Do you know the new American envoy for the Balkans, Alexander “Sasha” Cassanoff. What can be expected of him?

Daniel FriedOf course I do. He's a solid man. These are people I've been working with for years. They're smart, experienced diplomats. They're trained, and they'll show creativity in tactics, in the service of the strategic goal I've been trying to expand.

Radio Free Europe: Finally, tell us the two scenarios for the Western Balkans, if Democratic candidate Kamala Harris wins, and if he wins Republican candidate Donald Trump for president of the United States?

Daniel Fried: The past Trump administration has seemed favourable to Serbia and not for the right reasons. For the same reason, it seems to have had a warm spot for [Russian president Vladimir] Putin. I don't understand. For the same reason, it seems to have been derogatory, if not hostile, to the European Union and inclined to unilateral acts, which I don't think is wise politics and is neither productive.

A Harris administration would be more ready for co-operation with Europe in order to help Kosovo secure full recognition in Europe, and normalise relations with Serbia and find its place in the European Union.

Judging her team, at least Phil Gordon, I know very well to know that there would be a starting point and I hope that the Government of Kosovo would facilitate and not make it difficult. It is not easy because Serbia has a policy of revansism, exploiting nationalist elements and sense of victimisation, though it has been unfair to others. So Serbia has a big job to do, but now Kosovo is making the situation even more difficult.