U.S. President Donald Trump has signaled a return to the Kosovo-Serbia issue. Yesterday, Trump stated that during his first term, he managed to prevent a potential conflict between the two countries, which he claimed was on the verge of erupting.
“During my first term, Serbia and Kosovo were clashing forcefully, as they have for decades, and this long-standing conflict was about to erupt into WAR,” he said.
He further criticized former President Joe Biden, claiming his decisions have damaged long-term prospects for peace in the region, but promised to “fix it again.”
Reactions from Kosovo
Regarding the White House chief’s declaration, there were supportive reactions from Kosovo.
Pal Lekaj from the Alliance for the Future of Kosovo stated that President Donald Trump’s latest message to re-engage in resolving the issue between Kosovo and Serbia demonstrates his commitment to peace. Speaking to Klankosova.tv, he expressed that it was precisely during the previous Trump Presidency that a new dynamic in the dialogue was achieved through the active role of the United States, culminating in the Washington Agreement in 2020.
“President Trump proved then that he is committed to peace, stability, and economic development in the Balkans, without prolonged bureaucracy and with a clear pro-American approach that stood out from the passivity of European institutions,” Lekaj declared.
“For us, the United States has always been our strategic ally and the main guarantee of Kosovo’s freedom and independence. Trump’s commitment to return to this topic is hopeful and welcomed, because we believe in clear leadership, in courageous decisions, and in dedication to lasting peace, where Kosovo is treated as an equal, not as a party under pressure,” Lekaj said, according to Klankosova. Lekaj added that President Trump’s approach, with a determination to end the dialogue and guarantee Kosovo’s recognition by Serbia, is welcomed.
Meanwhile, former Foreign Minister Enver Hoxhaj commented on U.S. President Donald Trump’s statement that he would return to the Kosovo-Serbia issue. For Klankosova.tv, Hoxhaj said that this statement by the U.S. president shows that “we are in Trump’s attention” and is a warning sign that we may soon be on the agenda of American foreign policy.
“This statement by President Trump should neither be over-interpreted nor underestimated, although it was made by comparing Kosovo-Serbia relations with other cases in the world. It shows that we are in Trump’s attention and is a warning sign that, sooner or later, we may be a topic on the American foreign policy agenda,” Hoxhaj told Klankosova. He further added that for this, Kosovo must be prepared both institutionally and politically.
