Realpolitik “ Flash” No. 40
1 – 16 FEBRUARY 2023
EKSKLUSIVELY FOR “ARGUMENTUM“
The renowed diplomatic analyst, Dr. Jorgji KOTE “ dots the “is and crosses the “ ts” on 5 major events in only 1000 words.
1.Why this diplomatic speechlessness? This is undoubtedly among the principal questions posed afer the opposition rally on 11 February – i.e. why was there no press release, reaction and response by the major diplomatic representations in Tirana – the USA, the EU, OSCE and others. An unprecedented speechlessness during the last 30 years of pluralism. Moreover, that it was a massive protest rally but also with sounding Euro-Atlanticc topics, which are also the essence of international critical remarks on Albania. And particularly, following the recent serious scandals culminating with that of McGonigal. This question would be irrelevent if these representations would have not behaved hitherto as they do worldwide, without almost every day public releases and responses. But, as everyone knows they have overpassed all diplomatic norm or limit in that respect, to the point that an ambassador is perceived as“ Governor” or “First Party Secretary” Moreover, that they have not left any item in any specific area without voicing their opinion! Then, how can this speechlessness be explained?
True, the opposion leader Berisha is a person “ non -grata” in the USA and the UK; yet, this should not be a hindrance to release even a dry diplomatic press statement. The worst is that this diplomatic indiference occurs at a time of western swears for democracy. But this repeated diplomatic speechlessness does not serve democracy; czertainly, it is good and useful for the current statusquo and stabilocracy.
2.Zelensky in London, Paris and Brussels! After Washington, his triple trip in Lodon, Paris and Brussels on 8 – 9 Feruary was another telling message for Ukraine, Russia and the international community; that a year after Russia’s aggression, Ukraine, its people and government are not at all isolated; on the contrary, they enjoy unreserved support by the Western Alliance, EU and most of the world. Instead, Rusia and Putin are more and more isolated; as the saying goes Putin “ has counted the chickens before they were hatched” in all areas, including the military aspect and the image. Therefore, Russia is “paying a fortune” for its adventure. On the other hand, Zelensky’s meetings and addresses in London, Paris and Brussels dashed any hope to split the West, whose unity an cohesion remain unchanged.
Even in the decisive military aspect, the West has passed over to the delivery of the most powerful US, german and british tanks; now they are reviewing the possibility to send also war aircrafts with devastating effect on Russia’s army and its military operations. There is a deep understanding among the West that while defending Ukraine’s sovereignty, they are also upholding the values of peace, security an democracy worldwide. Zelensky’s presence in the EU Summit in Brussels speaks louder and better in this respect.
3.The EU stands on Ukrainian side! This slogan turned into a reality now was better seen in the Joint EU-Ukraine Summit in Kiev on 2 – 3 February and in the EU Summit on 9-10 February in Brussels thanks to the hospitality, warm reeption, positive assessment and standing ovations during Zelensky’s speeches there and in the EU Parliament plenary session. Besides the delivery of heavy military equipment and ammunition, the EU has already decided to train 30.000 ukrainian soldiers from 15.000 previously pledged. Meanwhile, on 24 February, just on the first anniversary of its aggression, the EU will “offer” to Russia the 10th package of economic sanctions. Likewise, the EU will review the procedures for the possible acceleration of EU accession and other measures.
4. Association as ” Belgrade’s nail”
Actually, the ancient original phrase is “ Nastradini’s nail”. Today” Belgrade’s nail” implies Kosovo’s hindrance, provocation and privation caused by the ultimatum to establish the Association of Communes with Serbian Majority. In fact, it is a “ hot potatoe” which requires patience and professionalism, so that it does not become an “ apple of discord” or even worse a “ time bomb”! Many articles published also at “ ARGUMENTUM” have clarified the understandable suspicions, apprehesion and sensitivities related to a uni-ethnic association with executive power, which could repeat the worst bosnian scenario. Without dwelling at length on this point, if the USA and the EU want to speed up this issue, so that it would not hinder or even hijack the whole process, which the serbian side intends to do, such an Association should not be treated and included as a forced pre-condition, neither a preambula or a foot -note, nor separate from all other agreements signed to date; but only as part and parcel of other unimplemented agreements.
Instead, with the EU and US support, the governments in Belgrade and in Pristina should set up working groups with experts, to review in details this sensitive issue and to reach through a full-fledged consensus in an acceptable text. Only in this way, Association would not become a “ Nastradini’s or Belgrade’s nail” for further provocations, which would blow in air all demarches made hitherto.
5. Earthquake diplomacy! Has become impressive after the devastative earthquake that hit Turkey and Syria on 6 February with well-known tragic effects. The so-called “ crisis and in our case earthquake diplomacy” is helping a lot both affected countries. Leaving behind the odds, claims and accusations. Look at Greece how it put everything aside and is dispatching humanitarian aids to Turkey receiving high appreciation there. The same applies to other states that have had problems with Turkey, as Sweden, for instance, whose NATO accession was most recently blocked by President Erdogan. We noted this human dimension most recently as the “ COVID – 19 diplomacy” with Turkey as a notable partner.
The problem is why should one wait for these natural calamities to properly reflect on a more human diplomacy. Why does this pozitive and conciliation approach not become “ a living mode” and a norm in current diplomacy? It would have spared and saved a tremendously large number of lives, funds and efforts!
This is why it is high time for further reflections, so that even the day -to -day diplomacy should think, act and be motivated exactly as in situations of crisis, natural calamities and earthquakes!
© 2023 Argumentum
