International envoys in the Kosovo-Serbia dialogue have always played a significant role in negotiations.
They have been consistently criticized and occasionally praised, but their influence is undoubtedly very important.
Most recently, attention has been drawn to the impact Borrell and Lajčák have had on the dialogue.
Borrell’s departure has also been commented on by Austrian MEP Lukas Mandl.
He stated that Borrell’s departure would be in Kosovo’s favor.
“Kosovo is also a champion of democratic values, as it has shown compared to other countries in the Western Balkans. Kosovo is clearly ahead, which has been undervalued in Borrell’s report. With a direct approach, I hope we will no longer need to discuss Borrell’s policies towards Western Balkan countries, as his mandate will be taken over by Kaja Kallas. She is a very promising figure when it comes to relations with the Western Balkans, due to her European values,” said Mandl.
He declared that the EU’s measures had been unfair from the beginning and it was shocking that they had been considered.
However, will Borrell’s departure and Kallas’s arrival in the dialogue process bring about a final agreement?
Dreshaj: This Year Is Unlikely to Bring Changes
Regarding this topic, Alliance for the Future of Kosovo (AAK) deputy Shemsedin Dreshaj spoke to “Bota Sot”.
He says that Borrell’s role has been biased and in the dialogue, Kosovo has not been equal to Serbia.
“We have seen the role Borrell has had. There has been imbalance, and the parties have not felt equal, especially Kosovo,” he expressed.
Furthermore, Dreshaj is optimistic that Kallas will be neutral, but 2024 is unlikely to bring changes.
“While Kaja Kallas, I would expect her to be neutral and assertive for both parties. This year is unlikely to bring changes. 2025 could be a year of movements,” Dreshaj stated for “Bota Sot”.
Makolli: Kosovo Should Expect Favors from Its Independence’s Nuns, the USA
Meanwhile, AKR Secretary Vesel Makolli compared Borrell and Kallas on this topic.
He says that the states from which the two representatives come play an important role, as Borrell comes from a state that does not recognize Kosovo and Kallas comes from a country that recognizes Kosovo, which could be an advantage for Kosovo.
“Looking at the fact that Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas, the delegation’s base is from a country that has recognized Kosovo’s independence, while Borrell has been a representative of Spain, a state that is one of the five EU member states that have not yet officially recognized the Republic of Kosovo. The arrival of Mrs. Kallas in place of Z. Borrell as High Representative for Foreign Policy and Security should be in favor of Kosovo, respectively in favor of the quick push forward for comprehensive negotiations to resolve the centuries-old Albanian-Serb problem,” explains Mr. Makolli.
In the above conversation, Makolli emphasizes that agreements signed in Brussels and Ohër, which the EU insists on implementing, cannot be implemented without direct intervention and diplomatic and military guarantee from the USA.
“But, if things are viewed from a broad perspective, including the war in Ukraine and Russia and China’s attempt to extend their interests in this part of Europe, Kosovo should expect favors from its independence’s nuns, the USA and allies, so it is very important for us who will win the Presidential elections in the United States.
Agreements signed in Brussels and Ohër, which the EU insists on implementing, cannot be implemented without direct intervention and diplomatic and military guarantee from the USA. Based on this and the context of the geo-political constellation, our policy and diplomacy must be supported and coordinated for every action with the United States and allies,” concludes Secretary Makolli for “Bota Sot”.
Credit: Botasot.info
