REALPOLITIK FLASH NO. 54
16 – 30 SEPTEMBER 2023
Grand Master Dr. Jorgji KOTE « dots the « i’s» and crosses the “t’s » on 4 major diplomatic events in only 1000 words
1.”Organization of Divided Nations” proved to be the UN during its 78th Session of its General Assembly which ended on 27 September. This was clearly seen in all high level addresses, with the EU, USA on one hand and China, Russia, BRICS and Global South on the other.
As expected, the Albanian Presidency of its Security Council and the mini-show by PM Rama on 20 september, did not add anything. Moreover that during those days, the “crusts of the pie were being opened” on McGonigal scandal. So, Biden, Blinken, Escobar placed an ‘ embargo” and did not even shake hands with Rama even in that famous UN Hall in New York.
2. For a new paradigm by the EU and the USA for Kosovo and Serbia after the terrorist attack by serb bands on 24 september. This date marks the end of a failed epoch with the 12 year – old dialogue and the Agreement in Ohrid; the latter, from Kosovo’s recognition and its membership to the UN and international organizations was reduced to the association of communes with serb majority with many question marks.
Following the previous ideas in this rubric, based on the opinions of the best expertize and international media, below are 10 concrete suggestions on the need for a new comprehensive strategy by the USA and the EU, if we want the situation not “to go from bad to worse” there.
First, give up the “appeasement diplomacy” towards Serbia, treating it as “ mother’s son” while Pristina as “ step-mother’s with the naive illusion that with “ appeasing pills” it will keep away from Russia. Instead, clear – cut policies and coercive diplomacy are required. Moreover that the EU and USA have hitherto worked mainly to achieve foreign political goals, almost ignoring the rule of law in the region. With authoritative leaders as Vucic with over 20 years in power and others.
Ridimension the attitude on Kosovo, as it was suggested by 56 MPs and chairmen of western Parliamentary Foreign Committes, putting and end to the “ stick policy” toward Pristina. Moreover, when unlike Serbia, there is a flourishing democracy there with fresh elections and renewed political elites.
End up the current format dialogue, starting with the resignation of both Lajcak and Escobar, since this failure was also their fault; instead of “ facilitators” they became the opposite, not to use harder terms. Meanwhile, the presence of increased mediators proved the aphorism that “ too many cooks spoil the broth”.
Currently, instead of normalizing dialogue between Serbia and Kosovo it is necessary the safeguard of security and peace; contain the escalation of the armed conflict and above all confidence building measures, the most OSCE essential component. For it was indeed a great illusion to have a dialogue in an environment and climate poisoned and undermined by Serbia.
The agreement in Brussels and Ohrid should be renewed with the franco-german model, whose core is Kosovo’s recognition and its UN membership. These are the two defining elements that guarantee further progress on other issues, including the association, not according to the Belgrade’s “ mood” but under the best western patterns.
Reject without hesitation the proposal for an international conference on Kosovo. It is irrelevant and dangerous idea, with unpredictable effects, which could restore the situation before ‘ 1990. What is demanded now also by the USA and the EU is not conference but coherence from Serbia first.
It is high time to urge Belgrade to finally define its geopolitical position and point of destination, i.e. with West or the East, starting with the sanctions against Russia as the “acid test”.
On this basis and in the context of EU reforms and enlargement, in case Serbia fails to follow the EU track, things should go that far as to suspend and even displace it from the “category” in the EU accession process. Likewise, motivate it with “ carrot” if it complies with EU positions.
Hold consultations and listen to the opinions of the best experts, think tanks and the relevent specialized institutions on drafting a new comprehensive strategy of action; so that after the US presidential and European elections in 2024 adopt and start its implementation, certainly with new approaches, structures and people.
Until then, the USA and the EU should strengthen measures to ensure peace and stability with Kosovo and Serbia, taking advantage also of regional initiatives and the Berlin Process, in particular.
3. WITH and FOR Pristina, this is what is urgently required from our government and diplomacy; especially PM Rama with largely erroded credits in Kosovo and without any real weight in geopolitical terms, instead of teaching the EU and Pristina, even less with Belgrade thesis is is better for him to keep silence for the time being; he should also call PM Kurti, invite him in Tirana or go himself to Pristina, laying in this way the foundations of a new qualitative and loyal cooperation between our two brotherly countries with priority values and vital national interests. Enough is enough with advocacy for Belgrade, with theses and proposals that are openly detrimental to Kosovo, to the region and to Albania!
4. Neither with busts nor with behind the bars can the “ frozen” relations with Greece be “warmed up” after 4 months have passed since Beleri, the newly elected Mayor of Himara is held behind the bars. PM Rama has been trying to pacify the situation also with the promise to proceed with the erection of a bust of the former Greek Prime Minister, the father of the current premier, Mitsotakis in Derviçan, a large village in the Greek minority area in the south. As a way to compensate for the confirmation of the court for hoding Beleri behind the bars.
However, it would been better that in compliance with the relevant articles of the European Convention to investigate him in free condition, as he is not a criminal and dangerous for the country’s security, permit him to swear in the office and then let justice decide. So, neither a bust, nor behind bars, what is necessary is the shuttle diplomacy of crisis accompanied with mutual understanding and concessions. Not with defiance and noise, since “ strong vinegar spoils its own container” in diplomacy, especially with neighbours like Greece.
© 2023 Argumentum
