Aidan Hehir, a researcher in international relations at the University of Westminster, has supported Kosovo’s Prime Minister Albin Kurti in presenting three conditions for his meeting with Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić.
In an exclusive interview with the newspaper “Bota sot,” the British expert stated that Kurti has ended the treatment of Kosovo as a “tame animal” by the international community.
Hehir called the potential appointment of Kaja Kallas as the head of EU diplomacy “good news for Kosovo.”
However, he gave a grim prediction for the region and the world if Donald Trump returns to the helm of the United States.
Full Interview:
“Bota sot”: How do you view Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti’s refusal to meet with Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić on June 26, and his establishment of three conditions?
Aidan Hehir: The conditions presented by the Prime Minister were completely reasonable; no self-respecting government would negotiate with another government that does not recognize it, refuses to honor previous commitments, and has recently sponsored an armed uprising against it. For too long, the Kosovo government allowed itself to be treated as a tame animal by the international community; fortunately, Kurti has put an end to this.
“Bota sot”: Lajčak warned that the uncoordinated opening of the Ibar bridge could lead to incidents and further complicate the dialogue situation. In your opinion, should the Ibar bridge be opened or discussed in the dialogue, as requested by the EU special envoy?
Aidan Hehir: The bridge is not the only way to cross the Ibar; people can already cross via another bridge. As such, the bridge has become significant not because it is a transportation route, but because some Kosovo Serbs have sought to make it a symbol of their resistance to Kosovo’s independence. Opening the bridge is likely to lead to an attack by Serbian nationalists, but the fact that these actors will cause disturbances cannot be a reason not to open the bridge. Allowing hooligans to dictate Kosovo’s government policy would be unacceptable.
“Bota sot”: How do you view the decision of the chief diplomat Josep Borrell, who recommended lifting punitive measures against Kosovo?
Aidan Hehir: Kosovo should never have been under any measures; they were a disgrace from the start, and Borrell and others should have immediately opposed them.
“Bota sot”: The name of Kaja Kallas, the Prime Minister of Estonia, is being mentioned as a replacement for the new head of EU diplomacy. She has often been called the “New Iron Lady of Europe,” and since she has consistently emphasized full support for Kosovo on its Euro-Atlantic path, how do you think her selection will impact the Belgrade-Pristina dialogue?
Aidan Hehir: This is certainly good news for Kosovo; EU diplomats to date have been incompetent and dangerously biased. I hope she uses the position to promote democracy and combat violent authoritarianism and ensures that the EU is no longer sucked into appeasing Vučić’s regime in Belgrade. However, she will have limited power and, unfortunately, there are many Western leaders who seem determined to do whatever it takes to keep Vučić on their side; this is a catastrophic policy that will inevitably lead to war.
“Bota sot”: What do you think the ultimate goal of the Kosovo-Serbia dialogue should be? While in Kosovo, Ambassador Hovenier says the ultimate goal should be mutual recognition, in Serbia, Ambassador Hill says recognition is not a condition of the EU as part of this process!
Aidan Hehir: The goal should be to ensure that Belgrade acknowledges that the existing borders in the Balkans cannot be redrawn. Belgrade does not necessarily have to officially recognize Kosovo, but at the very least, it must stop attacking and campaigning against its integration into the international community. An independent Kosovo threatens no one; it is good for peace in the Balkans. The threat to peace comes from aggressive Serbian nationalism. The West must recognize this and pressure Belgrade to accept the right of Kosovo and Bosnia to exist.
“Bota sot”: There have been voices suggesting that with a possible return of Donald Trump to the head of the US, the idea of territorial exchanges between Kosovo and Serbia will return more forcefully. Do you believe such a thing will happen? What are the risks if this agreement is forced upon the two countries?
Aidan Hehir: Donald Trump is reckless; it is impossible to predict what might happen if he is elected. I am sure it would be a disaster for the world, not just the Balkans. His understanding of the region is zero; his interest in the region is zero; but his impact on the region could be catastrophic, especially if he brings in charlatans like Richard Grenell.
