Artan Behrami, a parliamentary candidate from the Democratic Party of Kosovo (PDK), has formally requested an investigation into Jack Smith, the former U.S. Special Counsel, alleging his actions disrupted the Kosovo peace process in 2020. Behrami addressed his concerns in a letter sent to the office of Republican Congressman Keith Self, Chairman of the House Subcommittee on Europe and Foreign Affairs.
Behrami’s letter, titled “Request for Investigation into Mr. Jack Smith’s Role in the Disruption of the Peace Process – 2020”, details allegations that Smith deliberately undermined a U.S.-led peace summit between Kosovo and Serbia. The summit, organized by the Trump administration, was scheduled for June 27, 2020, at the White House but was abruptly canceled after the Specialist Prosecutor’s Office (SPO) in The Hague published an indictment against then-Kosovo President Hashim Thaçi just three days prior to the event.
Key Allegations Against Jack Smith
- Timing of the Indictment Announcement:
- The 10-count indictment was reportedly filed on April 24, 2020, yet was only publicly disclosed on June 24, 2020, when President Thaçi was en route to Washington, D.C.
- The announcement forced Thaçi to cancel his visit, leading to the collapse of the planned summit.
- Undermining U.S. Mediation Efforts:
- Behrami claims Smith’s actions damaged U.S. credibility as a mediator and weakened Washington’s influence in the Balkans.
- The abandoned peace initiative resulted in prolonged tensions between Kosovo and Serbia, reducing future prospects for a U.S.-led diplomatic resolution.
- Political Motivation Behind the Indictment:
- The move is described as politically motivated, removing Thaçi, a key player in the peace process, from the political stage.
- Behrami argues this empowered populist leadership, escalating instability and straining Kosovo-U.S. relations.
- Consequences for Regional Stability:
- The cancellation of the White House summit halted diplomatic progress and further polarized both Kosovo and Serbia.
- Behrami contends that the Specialist Chambers (KSC) have since operated as an ethnically selective court, disproportionately targeting Kosovo Albanians, instead of fulfilling its original mandate to prosecute crimes impartially.
Trump Administration’s Recent Moves and Grenell’s Testimony
Behrami’s letter comes amid reports that the Trump administration recently reassigned Bruce Swartz, a Justice Department official linked to Smith. Additionally, former U.S. Special Envoy Richard Grenell announced he has already provided testimony against Jack Smith.
Behrami urges Congressman Self to initiate a formal inquiry into Smith’s actions, emphasizing the importance of accountability and ensuring that U.S. foreign policy efforts in the Balkans remain credible and effective.
