Adrian Shtuni, a Washington-based security and foreign policy expert, says a change in the US position depends on addressing the reasons that led to the suspension of the Strategic Dialogue.
“Currently, the position remains unchanged, as Kosovo has been at a standstill in many areas for almost two years,” he said.
Shtuni described the political compromise that enabled the election of President Justina Shiroka-Pula as encouraging, but stressed that further action is needed to resume the Strategic Dialogue.
“Without concrete and swift steps to create the appropriate conditions, address US demands and fulfil previously undertaken commitments, I do not consider expectations of a resumption of the Strategic Dialogue realistic,” Shtuni told Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL).
According to Shtuni, Kosovo also needs to step up its diplomatic engagement in Washington.
He noted that visits by US senators and their engagement help keep Kosovo on Washington’s radar. However, he stressed that the decision on the Strategic Dialogue falls within the authority of the US executive branch.
“The decisive factor remains the taking of concrete steps by Kosovo’s authorities to address the issues that led to the suspension of the dialogue,” he said.
