Frank Wisner, in an interview with Radio Free Europe, specifically addressed the issue of the Association of Serb-majority Municipalities. Wisner stated that the idea of municipalities working together is quite good; however, he has never been fully convinced that Serbia views such an agreement as part of an independent Kosovo.
The American diplomat believes that Serbia sees this arrangement more as a way to reduce Kosovo’s position as an independent state.
“I believe the idea of Serb-majority municipalities working together, cooperating, and maintaining cultural institutions is quite good. But I have never been fully convinced that Serbia sees that agreement as part of an independent Kosovo. It rather sees it as a way to reduce Kosovo’s position as an independent state. Therefore, the idea in principle remains good, but unless I see a greater willingness from Serbia to live with an independent Kosovo, I do not expect any agreement to work, be upheld, or be successful,” Wisner stated.
He further said that Kosovo should establish the Association with very limited responsibilities to ensure that Kosovo’s statehood is not undermined.
“I think Kosovo, for its own reasons, should create an Association of Serb-majority municipalities with very limited responsibilities in areas like culture, education, taxes, and things like that, but without sovereign status that would undermine the functioning of the Kosovo state,” Wisner concluded.
