REALPOLITIK FLASH
1 – 16 MAY 2023
Grand Master Dr. Jorgji KOTE « dots the « I’s» and crosses the “t’s » on 4 major events in only 1000 words
1.”Class reading” in Brussels! It was the Meeting between the Serbian President Vuçiç and Kosovo’s Prime Minister Albin Kurti in Brussels on 2 May. It was simply a reading of the draft on the Association of the communes with Serbian majority prepared by a Serbian team of 4 persons. Certainly after “ Serbian mood”; without noone in Pristina knowing how and on what criteria it was drafted, without having the opportunity tw throww even a glance before heading to Brussels. As expected, PM Kurti rejected it. But Lajçak and Borrell were happy since they satisfied Vuçiç desire to submit the draft there although they knew the “ NO”!
Thus, this that meeting failed, the fourth in succession within the first 45 days after the non-signed agreement in Ohrid. The first occurred on 24 April in the partial local elections in the Northern Kosovo with the record low turn over of 3 pwr cent; on 25 April in the high level meeting in Strasbourg where Serbia rejected the proposal for Kosovo’s accession to the Council of Europe and the third one in New York on 26 April where Belgrade sworn with a loud voice that it will never, never recognize Kosovo and permit it to become UN Member, since it is and will remain part of Serbia! They recognize Ohrid only for the sake of Association, to have it as “ Nastradini’s nail” for their gloomy future plans against Kosovo.
As we have previously underlined, the only viable solution for the Asociation is that both sides, with the US and EU support should agree in principle that it should not have executive power and create a state within the state. The very relevant pattern is the one between Serbia and Croatia; so there is no need to “ search for a needle in a straw”. When they agree “ in spirit”, then it is much easier for “ the letters”; experts of both sides would sit down and draft the wording. Otherwise, both sides will be “beating about the bush”, the “class reading” will continue and things may be postponed in the Greek calendas.
2. Long live the King! This was the great message that London conveyed on the 6th of May in the Ceremony for the Coronation of King Charles III, 7 decades after his Mother, the emblematic Queen Elisabeth II. A royal dignified ceremony in all respects, radiating another brilliant image worlwide. Despite problems, shadows and suspicions, that ceremony and the new King that with his starting stances has gained more popularity shows that constitutional monarchies remain a preferred option for the British an other countries where they are well – established. They and their crowns, with Prince William&Kate as the best pattern are democratizing and modernizing monarchies, bringing them closer to the people also thanks to numerous telling projects and programs and for many other convincing reasons. If Presidents of Republics, even those elected by the people would have provided better examples, ok, but the reality shows the opposite. Not to mention how much the political establishments “ suffer” for their election once in five years! This is why the British and others worldwide were right to celebrate and chant “ Long live and God save the King”!
3. Zelenski opens up, Putin isolated! President Zelenski showed this once again with his official visits and meetings during 13 – 15 May in Rome, Germany, Paris and London. In all these 4 states it was vigorously confirmed the multi-faceted support for Ukraine. Certainly this visit was more prosperous in Germany, given its major political, economic and military weight and debates concerning its delivery of heavy weapons to Ukraine, due to Germany’s hesitations and delays. After his meetings with Chancellor Scholz, President Steinmeier and his thanks in German“ Danke Deutchland” their bilateral relations embarked on a new epoch. Besides, Zelenski was awarded with the highest german Prize ” Charlemagne” or ” Charles the Great” Above all, Zelenski in this visit ensured a new package of assistance amounting to 2,7 Billion Euro for the delivery of Leopard tanks, ammunition and sophisticated anti- air defence systems. Now Germany is the second largest supplier for Ukraine after USA. What a big jump when one think that only a year ago Germany started with only 5.000 helmets which was ridiculed at that time! This new tour by President Zelenski proved once again that He and Ukraine are gaining growing acknowledgment and support abroad. The opposite occurs with Russia and Putin. The latter with an exception of a quick visit in occupied areas in Ukraine, cannot leave even Moscow, since no one invites him and due to fear of the international arrest warrant.
4. Political tremor in Tirana but not in Turkey!
14 May found both Tirana and Turkey in elections. Although in Albania they were just municipal and not political, for many well- known reasons they were equally, if not more important than parliamentary elections; especially this time to see the genuine power of the opposition, after their boycott of these elections in 2020.
However, they cannot be compared to the presidential and parliamentary elections in Turkey, due to the exceptional turkish political, economic and military role worldwide. But also due to the fact that President Erdogan has been in power for 21 years now with all well-known problematics and concerns. With a declining economy, rising inflation, and with over 50.000 victims from the devastating earthquake a few months ago. Moreover that unlike Rama in Tirana, Erdogan this time had a totally united opposition also with his former allies and promising alternatives. Nonetheless, the expected electoral tremor “shook” only Albania; where ( Rithemelimi) of former President Berisha and” Together we win” suffered a real “Waterlow” even in their stronghold in Shkodra. Whereas in Turkey, Erdogan and Kilicdaroglu are running “ neck to neck” and will fight again on 28 May. Despite Erdogan’s “ democratic sins and deficits” the united turkish opposition even this time did not beat with ballots Erdogan neither in the Parliament, where he has a comfortable majority nor as a President. He is 5 per cent before his challenger and so we have to keep the breath until 28 May to see who will be the next Turkish President and whether there would be an electoral tremor in Turkey!
© 2023 Argumentum
