REALPOLITIK FLASH NO. 67
17 – 31 MARCH 2024
On 4 major diplomatic events briefly with only 1.000 words by
DR. JORGJI KOTE
Grand Master
1.Just to “keep Kola busy! This is a well-known saying in Albania which suits perfectly to the state of play of the dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina. In many previous articles also here at Realpolitik we have clearly underscored that the year 2024 is full of decisive elections in the EU, USA and elsewhere. Under these circumstances, whatever they do in Belgrade, Pristina, in Brussels and in all other western capitals, nothing can be achieved in this dialogue that is dragging on for the last 12 yars. For above all, there is no sign of life, will and willingness by Belgrade, which is pursuing the policy “ put it off in the Greek calendas” On the other side, the West continues “to pet” and keep in good terms” with Belgrade through its failed appeasement diplomacy, due to fear that Serbia may align with Russia and China; although President Vuçiç even most recently called on both the USA and the EU to make up their minds “ either with us or with Kosovo, there is no third way”!»
As to Kosovo, despite some slight changes, the EU contines to treat it as “ step-mother’s son” with “ hard power”. Thus, nothing can be expected this year, when even the EU mediators have lost any trust and confidence especially in Pristina. However, they need to justify their invoices and high salaries until November when they would be replaced. Just two days ago, the news spread that Mr. Lajçak is leaving much earlier, since he is appointed as EU Ambassador in Switzerland reporting work there in September. Hence, come on, men, let us keep and make as they say “ a dialogue for the sake of dialogue” simply as a cover up. Or as we say in Albania just to “ keep Mr.Kola busy at work” Because even if the dialogue is not dead and unburried, it is frozen and and a deadlock. Only a new comprehensive strategy by the West, setting an entirely different and friendly climate and environment, with new fresh mediators and mindsets, the situation with the dialogue may change hopefully for the better next year. Although this is yet “ easily said than done” Till then, things will go on according to the principle “ drag the rope on but please don’t cut it”
2. Geopolitical interests over democratic values and principles! This is what both the USA and the EU and the West by and large are doing with each passing day. Although they talk and and talk in events and summits to the sky about democracy, the rule of law, the fundamental democratic values and principles, the opposite is happening on the ground. Not because they want to do so, but since the state of things is as such, with bloody conflicts and wars and and alarming immigration. This was clearly seen also on 17 Mars, when EU leaders and the Prime Ministers of Greek and Belgium signed in Cairo with the Egyptian President, Al Sissi a deal about containing illegal migration with an amount of 7 Billion Euros. There were many remarks and criticisms in the international media and politics that how is it possible that the EU negotiates and makes such bargains without calling to account Egypt for its violations of the rule of law and human rights as an autocratic regime.
However, the situation is as such that as we say in Albania one has “to call even the pig an uncle” Besides, what about Turkey, which has for years now with the EU a deal to host 4 million sirian refugues that would rush to Europe? Under these conditions, when the overfloods of asylum seekers could indeed “ work havoc”, the EU is forced to “turn one blind eye and a deaf ear” when it comes for democracy, the rule of law and such alike. To put it in a few words, it does not hesitate and not even care to place geopolitical interests over democratic values and principles, displacing the latter indeed to the “ back sheet” as we say in Albania»
3.EU Summit for Ukraine and Bosnia on 21/22 March as expected reconfirmed the EU resolute support for Ukraine; this time not only “ as long as it takes” but also “ as intensively as it is necessary” This mesage was utterly important in the face of the reluctance by the US Congress to deliver the amount of 61 Billion Dollars and the unfavourable situation in the war front for Ukraine. President Zelensky this time in his video conference was very harsh and hard vis à vis his European colleagues. He implied that they are living in another world and that they do not realize what it means if Russia wins over Ukraine for the destiny of Europe itself. Because, Putin will not stop in Ukraine but will keep on his aggressive plans.
On the other hand, the EU decided to open the accession negotiations with Bosnia, certainly under certain conditions, as a consoling message for Western Balkans that did not appear in is agenda. Since for the negotiations for Albania and North Macedonia the EU even this time could do nothing without resolving Beleri case and without making the required constitutional amendments in Skopje. But even the news about Bosnia are more a “spoiled soup” given the development of events in Sarajevo.
4.A routine visit, not a” breaking point » ! On 18 – 20 March the US Assistant Secretary of State for the fight against narcotics, Todd Robinson visited Tirana and the region. There is indeed much and loud noise in our media whenever senior US officials come to Tirana, heralding “breaking news” that it will happen this and that, with various prophecies and futule guessing just to produce sensation. Actually, this tour was a normal continuation of working visits by high US officials in our country and in the region. As an expression of concern for defficiencies in combatting illicit drugs and organized crime and for a better coordination of our join efforts in this respect. That is all. All other news are “bazaar talking” with empty basket.
© 2024 Argumentum
