Realpolitik “ Flash” No. 36
1 – 16 December 2022
EXCLUSIVELY at ARGUMENTUM,
“Grand Master” in diplomacy, DR. JORGJI KOTE, “ dots the i’s and crosses the t’s” on 6 major events in 1000 words.
1.From inside, then from out! This was the main message for our EU integration by German President Frank Walter Steinemeier during his visit in Tirana from 1 – 2 December in the meetings, visits and address to the Assembly. He commended our achievements, the european vocation and the geo-political successes. Meanwhile, he stressed that nothing, neither the EU membership can be achieved without good domestic performance and reforms in all areas, without fighting corruption, organized crime and without a functional justice. No deadline, no date and foreign intervention may have a chance without doing away with the evil within us. Without the good performance of domestic factor, geopolitics alone would be a fasade and an empty spoon.
- The Summit, protest and the fist! These words go together when it comes to the first ever Top Level Meeting EU – Western Balkans in Tirana on 6 December. A very important event, with 26 EU Heads of State/ Governments, the Presidents of the Commission and Council and the 6 leaders of the region “ landing” in Tirana. However, it was symbolic and not historic, as they randomly use it. Nor it is the most important event in our international relations. Yes, historic was the visit by the US President Bush in 2007, which paved the way to our NATO historic accession and Kosovo’s Independence. Whereas Tirana Summit did not bring, promise or produce anything “historic”; it was evenmore problematic with burning issues. The only single state without geopolitcal troubles is Albania; however, it boils down from within, much more than any other country in the region.
Besides, the opposition peaceful protest casted shadows over the Summit, since it denounced the governing majority affairs and scandals. Although the top European guests did no want to spoil the humor and the festive setting, the taste that the Summit left on them was indeed not so pleasant. Especially after the fist that an infiltrated criminal blew against the opposition historic leader, the 79 year old Sali Berisha; in fact, it “stole” the success and image of the Summit itself. That’s why, whenever this Summit would be mentioned, it will be accompanied with the protest and the bitter anti-european fist.
- Partners in values, rivals in interests!
Albeit the entusiastic climate and setting, President Macron’s visit to USA on 1 – 2 December and his meeting with President Biden was not free from disappointments. This is mainly due to the adoption in USA of the “ Inflation Reduction Act” the law through which the US Government subsidizes large manufacturing US companies at home with a funding of 370 Billion US Dollars. Although it is supposed to protect the climate and cover the costs of energy crisis, this law in the EU is considered to be against European economic interests, as a new protectionist form and a signal for a new trade war between USA and the EU.
Despite Macron’s efforts, the US side did not undertake or promise nothing to change this law. Now, the europeans are also trying to counteract with similiar measures, with a sort of a Investment Guarantee Fund, as they tried in their Summit on 15 December in Brussels; they will decide early next year. Given these developments, many experts and media outlets have come to the conclusion that USA and EU are partners in values, but rivals in commercial interests. As to how much democracy wins or looses from this wide gap, this merits further discussions.
4.Shuttle without diplomacy! This is the case with the US and EU special envoyes in Pristina and Belgrade. As undwrlined before, Lajcak an Eskobar have become “ diplomatic firefighters”. They are shuttling endlessly just to extinct ongoing burning fires but without diplomacy. As the odds look currently in Northern Kosovo now, the “ fires” will continue since they are provoked by Serbia. Unfortunately, both the EU and USA have not found yet a comprehensive and down – to – earth action strategy; besides they treat Belgrade like “ mothers’s son” but Pristina like “step mother’s” Apparently, they do not want to accept that although Belgrade likes the Western money, its soul and body remain in Russia! Just as Putin, Vuçiç cannot become a “ good guy”.
- A diplomatic shame was the announcement from our Ministry of European and Foreign Affairs on the initiation of formal procedures to replace Ambassador Yuri Kim. Something never occurred before in the strictly confidential diplomatic practices! What is worse, there was no public apology, moreover, PM Rama considered this terrible error as a normal thing. The US State Department and Mme Yuri Kim acted smartly, without much fuss and with concrete steps; Kim’s most recent messages and addresses have dismissed the above-mentioned allegations. Certainly, Mme Kim bosses in Washington will prolong her stay to save their face but also to teach a good diplomatic lesson to our PM. Nonetheless, our leaders are used to “ eat shame with bread” as they say in Albania, once NUMBER ONE likes you, he counts! In fact, Foreign Minister Xhaçka would do much better to clarify how is it possible that over 60 per cent of our Ambassadors, including the one in Washignton continue to serve there by breaching the law, since they have exceeded the term in office 2 – 3 fold or even more! Many of them have also surpased their retirement age!
- Tzunami at Brussels’s heart on 9 Decemer, when the Vice President of the EU Paerliament Eva Kaili was arrested with some 15 of her associates and collaborators. Indicted with tree accusations for money laundering, corruption and criminal activity. This uprecedented scandal broke out in the most powerful moral tribune, the EU Parliamnt in Brussels! Well, Brussels have long ago been at the epicenter of attacks from organized crme, drogue, corruption; however, it was unimaginable that they would penetrate at the heart of EU and Brussels! Even a foundation supposed to fight against impunity with some EU “ big shots” was turned into a chest of VIP crime and suspicions. Inquiries on this politial tzunami continue. We have to wait and see other unpleasant surprises, since many Europarliamentarians are used to tell us “ do as we say but not as we do”!
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