Prime Minister Albin Kurti has voiced concerns about the recent violence in the north of Kosovo, suggesting it is an attempt to divide the country while former foreign minister Meliza Haradinaj has called for Kosovo to review its participation in EU dialogue and seek leadership from the United States instead.
The northern region of Kosovo, primarily inhabited by ethnic Serbs, has experienced significant unrest over the past ten days. The conflict resulted in injuries to at least 30 NATO peacekeeping troops, journalists, law enforcement personnel, and protestors.
Prime Minister Kurti stated that the conflict aims to push for territorial exchange and the division of Kosovo.
He emphasized the need for international partners, including the United States of America, the European Union, NATO, and the United Kingdom, to help repel the violence and ensure the enforcement of the rule of law and constitutionality throughout the country, including the affected municipalities.
Former foreign minister Meliza Haradinaj echoed Kurti’s concerns, suggesting that the unrest and the request to establish the Association of Serb Municipalities are aimed at dividing the country and bringing the north under Serbian control.
She criticized the European Union for its perceived favoritism toward Serbia due to its alignment with Russia, while Kosovo has made concessions and refrained from making claims against Serbia.
“The more Serbia aligns with Russia, the more the West treats Serbia with respect and higher tolerance compared to how it treats Kosovo. We listened to all the West’s requirements, refrained from claiming genocide against Serbia, made inconvenient agreements and concessions…but Serbia remains a frontrunner candidate for the EU despite breaking the Ohrid agreement,” she said, adding, “We have seen the West, the EU and the US being silent about it,” she told Alice Taylor, host of Inside Albania on Euronews.
She explained that the “appeasement policy with Russia from the West does not work. We doubt that the appeasement policy will be a wise investment with Serbia because Russia is deeply rooted in the state of Serbia.”
Haradinaj called for a strategic review of Kosovo’s participation in EU dialogue and proposed that the United States mediate the process, citing its recognition of both Kosovo and Serbia and its impartiality.
“Kosovo should not be held hostage because of EU structural and political issues to achieve lasting peace and mutual recognition,” she said.
The former minister added, “I do not see the point of Kosovo participating in EU-led dialogue anymore, so this could be achieved by US mediation as the US recognises both Kosovo and Serbia as states and it is impartial.”
Prime Minister Kurti acknowledged differences in strategic approach between the US and the EU but stressed that there are no differences in vision and values. He emphasized that Kosovo shares common interests, goals, beliefs, and visions with both the United States and the European Union.
Kosovo faced sanctions from the US, including the cancellation of its participation in the Defender 2023 military exercise and the withdrawal of assistance in lobbying for non-recognition and international organization membership, due to the installation of mayors in the north.
Prime Minister Kurti expressed readiness to hold new elections in the north with the participation of all parties if the violence ceases. The OSCE announced its willingness to monitor the elections if they take place.
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