Ukrainian Deputy, Oleksiy Goncharenko, states that Kosovo cannot be a “gray zone” in Europe. According to him, Serbia must accept the fact that Kosovo is an independent state and establish neighborly relations with it.
“The era of empires in Europe has come to an end,” says Goncharenko, referring to what he describes as the trend in Serbia.
If Serbia does not abandon this approach, it will continue to live in poverty and revenge, “being exploited by Russia, Iran, and other countries that want to ignite flames in the Balkans,” says Goncharenko.
In an interview with Radio Free Europe, he expresses hope that Kosovo will become a full member of the Council of Europe after the vote in May.
Radio Free Europe: Mr. Goncharenko, you lobbied for a positive vote for Kosovo in the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe. The final decision is expected to be made by the Committee of Ministers in May. Do you think it will pass?
Oleksiy Goncharenko: I think it will. The vote in the Parliamentary Assembly was historic, and now we need to finish this job. I believe that the Committee of Ministers will officially invite Kosovo to become a member of the Council of Europe.
What would you say to countries that are not yet sure about supporting Kosovo?
Oleksiy Goncharenko: Kosovo deserves this, Kosovo belongs to the free world. It needs our help to develop values as a new country, as a new democracy. It needs the expertise of the Council of Europe. This is not about political debates; it’s about two million people who deserve to be part of the largest organization in the world, which fights for human rights, rule of law, democracy – for fundamental values for all of us.
Do you think that in the coming weeks, new conditions might emerge for Kosovo?
Oleksiy Goncharenko: I don’t know what will happen in the Committee of Ministers. It’s not my area of responsibility. I am a member of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, and our decision is clear: We call on the Committee of Ministers to invite Kosovo.
But some deputies have mentioned the Association of Serb-majority municipalities, which Kosovo should form. Do you think it could be an obstacle?
Oleksiy Goncharenko: I hope it won’t be an obstacle.
How can Kosovo ensure that it does not lose its chance in May?
Oleksiy Goncharenko: The authorities of Kosovo must continue to demonstrate commitment to these fundamental values, democracy, human rights, rule of law – this is the most important.
And, once Kosovo becomes a member of the Council of Europe, it has a lot of work to do, to implement and adopt conventions, which are essential for our organization.
You have openly stated that Serbia’s aspirations in Kosovo are similar to Russia’s aspirations in Ukraine. Could you elaborate on that?
Oleksiy Goncharenko: Unfortunately, I see two trends in Serbia. One is about building a democratic country, which I fully support, and the other is about rebuilding the Serbian empire. And, I have openly stated that the era of empires in Europe has come to an end.
All these feelings of revenge and imperialism that some Serbian politicians are trying to promote in Serbia, to strengthen in Serbia, are a major obstacle to Serbia’s own development.
Therefore, Serbia must come to terms with the fact that it can no longer be an empire. It must be a normal and democratic country. In this way, it would be part of the free world. Otherwise, it will continue to live in poverty, in revenge, being exploited by Russia, Iran, and other countries that want to ignite flames in the Balkans.
How should these efforts be prevented, in your opinion?
Oleksiy Goncharenko: I am not in a position to say what Kosovo and Serbia should do, but personally, I believe that there cannot be gray areas in Europe. Kosovo cannot be a gray area. Serbia must accept the fact that Kosovo is an independent state, recognized by other countries, and establish relations with Kosovo as a neighbor. This is a task that needs to be done, and Kosovo, Serbia, and all of Europe would benefit from it.
You have also lobbied for the recognition of Kosovo’s independence by Ukraine. Is there any progress in this direction?
Oleksiy Goncharenko: No, there is no progress regarding this issue at the moment, but the reason is clear. Ukraine is in a very difficult position, and, with all due respect to Kosovo, it is not the main issue for Ukraine right now.
