Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti stated in an interview with Bosnia’s Hayat TV that Serbia is actively holding back the Western Balkans, preventing the region’s development and progress. Despite strong criticism from Banja Luka, Kurti made it clear that he has no regrets about his recent visit to Sarajevo, which marked his first trip there in six years.
Kurti emphasized that the reaction from Banja Luka reflects an inability to accept the reality that Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) is a single state. He further asserted that the Republika Srpska, through its political actions, is stalling BiH’s integration processes due to fear of change.
“This is similar to Serbia, which is blocking the Western Balkans, making it difficult for the region to integrate into international institutions. Serbia aims to maintain its influence, primarily due to its ties with Moscow,” said Kurti. He argued that both Serbia and Republika Srpska are trying to control the region and create instability to reinforce their own positions.
On the issue of the Association of Serb-majority Municipalities in Kosovo, Kurti described it as a Serbian attempt to gain full control over Serbs in Kosovo, making the country less functional. He called it an effort to create a “Republic of Srpska Light” in Kosovo, something that will not be allowed.
Kurti also pointed out that Serbia’s claims about the number of Serbs in Kosovo are inaccurate. “Serbs make up only four percent of Kosovo’s population, while Serbia claims they are 40 percent,” he stated, adding that the number of Albanians in Serbia is much higher than the number of Serbs in Kosovo.
The Prime Minister concluded by stressing that the international community is increasingly recognizing that Serbia is trying to create a situation that undermines Kosovo’s independence and functionality.
