Valon Rashiti; ALBANIAN POST, 26. rujna 2022.
Mr. Grlić Radman, Serbia doesn’t recognize Kosovo as an independent state, as far as the negotiations in Brussels are continuing between Kosovars and Serbs, how do you see the final solution?
We expect the Dialogue to result in a legally binding Comprehensive Agreement that would normalize relations between Serbia and Kosovo. We support solutions that would contribute to overall stability and prosperity in the region and which would lead to mutual recognition. Our position is that Dialogue between Serbia and Kosovo is not about the status of Kosovo, rather the normalization of relations between the two countries, but I believe that the recognition of Kosovo is inevitable.
At the same time, we strongly support the integrity and indivisibility of Kosovo's territory and oppose any idea of exchanging territories.
Serbia is insisting that the Serbs of Kosovo to be granted the Association of Serb Municipalities, is such a thing necessary and does that create further problems on the function of the state of Kosovo?
We believe that all agreements from Brussels have to be respected. However, any such association must be in accordance with the Constitution of Kosovo and must not have powers that would lead to jeopardizing the sovereignty and functionality of the Republic of Kosovo.
The tensions in North of Kosovo are rising, it is said that Russia is trying to destabilize the Balkans, do you think that Moscow has such tendencies?
There is no doubt that Southeast Europe is exposed to the influences of third countries, as we recently saw in the cyber-attack aimed at Albania. This is why cooperation between the EU and NATO is extremely important in the circumstances we find ourselves.
In this regard, we especially welcome the recent statement by NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, that KFOR is ready to maintain order and peace in Kosovo.
The “Open Balkan” initiative supports all the region states, except Kosovo and Bosnia and Hercegovina, what do you think about this initiative, should Kosovo join?
The strengthening of the overall stability of the Western Balkans region is Croatia’s strategic interest. Particular attention needs to be paid to challenges that are becoming increasingly complex in the context of Russia's aggression against Ukraine. Accelerating the region's economic integration and deepening its economic cooperation remains crucial.
The Berlin Process has brought positive momentum in this regard. We support all inclusive mechanisms of regional cooperation as an essential component of the Euro-integration path of Western Balkans countries
. In that sense, the Common Regional Market includes all six Western Balkans countries and the Regional Cooperation Council, in close coordination with the EU, supervises its implementation.
Apart from not being inclusive, the “Open Balkan” initiative does not provide solutions for operational implementation and duplicates the existing efforts within the Berlin Process.
Do you think that we are closer to a final agreement between Kosovo and Serbia?
It is difficult to assess that question at this moment, but where there is good will; there is a chance for an agreement. What is undoubtedly encouraging, is the active cooperation of US and EU diplomacy on this issue. The next few months will be crucial for the deal. However, whatever solution may be agreed upon, it must contribute to regional stability.
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