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REALPOLITIK FLASH NO. 47
1 – 15 JUNE 2023
Grand Master Dr. Jorgji KOTE « dots the « I’s» and crosses the “t’s » on 4 major events in only 1000 words for the major diplomatic events
1.EPC reduced to a symbolic forum! On 1 June, the New European Political Community ( EPC) met for the second time in Moldova with the presence of 47 leaders, without Putin and Llukashenko. With messages and results analyzed in details in our article here at “ ARGUMENTUM”, showing its vigorous support and solidarity for Ukraine and condemning the Russian aggression against it.
However, nothing was spoken about its future agenda and program, its technical and political leading structures, its specifics from its “sister” organizations – EU, Council of Europe and OSCE. It is evident that the EPC would overlapp them without any special or additional functions and value – added. Apparently, its role and significance will decline and be reduced to a low profile governmental or even a non -governmental organization.
2. No “carrot” for Belgrade and “stick” for Pristinea!
On 5 – 6 June, the Special US and EU Envoys, Lajcak and Escobar were in Belgrade and Pristine, in an effort to pacify the situation after the turmoil following the 26 May violent incidents.
Unfortunately, the major tensions and worrying developments following 26 May in Northern Kosovo, only three months from the Agreement of Ohrid, labelled “ historic” although it has not even a signature and seal proved the wise saying” the mountain became pregnant and gave birth to a mouse”! Accordingly, as of 14 June, we are eye-witnessing the application but this time in the wrong address of the well-known “stick and carrot policy” by the EU and USA!
We are now hearing “ carrots” for Serbia, the provoker and producer of the tensions there; the country that does not sign and swears everywhere in the face of the West that it will never implement Ohrid Agreement except for the Association of Communes with Serbian majority; it does not care to align its foreign foreign policy with that of the EU, it does not impose sanctions against Russia, that contines to strengthen friendship with the Russian World, the only state that keeps on air the Russian radio “Sputnik” in several languages. The country that does not acknowledge the horrible crimes in the past, that does no punish but glorifies that generals that lead the bloody military campaigns ; the country with 4 former ministers of Milosevic era in the government, that keeps on playing the political musical chairs game! The Serbia that against the spirit and letters of Ohrid does not recognize Kosovo, nor its accession to the UN, the Council of Europe and elsewhere; Serbia that considers Kosovo as its integral part even now, 15 years after Kosovo’s independence, 13 years after the International Court of Justice has recognized its comptability with international law and 24 years after its liberation from NATO troops and Kosovo Liberation Army!
On the other hand, the West is whipping sharply the “ stick” against Kosovo, Serbia’s consequence and victime, moreover, a loyal and partner for USA and EU, which is setting an example in the democratic path, which has aligned its foreign policy with that of the EU; the state that has welcomed thousands of afgans when others have refused; Kosovo that has imposed sanctions against Russia, which has succeeded in staging free and fair elections, observing the rights of different minorities even better than some EU member states!
Ok, PM Kurti, although is right in his state logic, it is high time for him to realize that he lacks the the relevant capacities; hence, in respect for the US/EU role and contribution, he should necessarily consult and act in cooperation with them; even when they make mistakes, because they have the strength and capacities! Nonetheless, Kurti’s mistakes are of tactical nature, provisional and most importantly, they are an effect and the one to blame for them has been and remains Serbia!
Unfortunately, now they are talking a lot about measures and even sanctions against Kosovo, a very rare case, not to say unique in the international relations among partners. This reminds us of a comical piece with the People’s Artist Luftar Paja 45 years ago; after they blamed him a cattle guard for the stolen cow, he posed the emblematic question: ok, my fault, but what about the thief who stole the cow, is he not to be blamed?
3. Irrelevant draft! Was the one that PM Rama sent on 8 June to his French, German and EU counterparts. Without dwelling on its unknown substance, from the diplomatic aspect and as brotherly countries, this draft, unconsulted with domestic actors/factors and even without a phone call to PM Kurti was a hastened and erroneous act! In diplomacy, the name, the format, the tact and ethicks are decisive and they do disqualify even the best substance of a draft! Besides, a draft like this could have been submitted for the scandalous situation of Albanians in Prescevo Valley inhabited by albanians but not for the association of communes with Serbian majority which is in the hands of the big western powers and their mediators. In a word, this draft was irrelevant and unnecessary. It simply “poured more fuel to the fire” in our relations with Kosovo.
4. Nor did Gjakova unite us! Ironically enough, the logo of the meeting between the governments of Albania and Kosovo on 14 June was “ United in Gjakova” Actually, the unilateral cancelation of this meeting by the Albanian side without persuasive reasons and which was more harmful than beneficial showed clearly that nor did epic Gjakova united us; even worse, it devided us! Today, we are more divided than ever with Kosovo!! As if “Open Balkans” was not enough to show that we are closed among ourselves! Unfortunately, this big split has become our political trend nowdays. In most of the intrnational events in the Euro-Atlantic metropoles the leaders of our two states are separate. Well, they try to explain this division with strange tales and naratives. However, what strikes one’s attention everywhere it’s the much greater cohesion and brotherly friendship with Belgrade and Vuçiç and the “ ic-cold ” relations with Pristine and Kurti. But, in diplomacy, unlike in electoral campaigns and party rostrums, it is acts and facts that speak louder than official statements. Let us hope for the best in a near future.
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