Dialogue will work when people support it

Koha today published an interview I gave yesterday to Besjana Bajrami:

Q: Do you think that this year will bring the final recognition between Kosovo and Serbia?

A: No, I don’t. I don’t see any sign the leadership in either country is preparing for a final recognition agreement.

Why is it stuck?

Q: Where do you think the dialogue is stuck?

A: It’s stuck in the domestic politics of both countries. Neither President Vucic nor Prime Minister Kurti sees the benefit of agreements, especially a comprehensive one.

Mutual benefit is the way forward

Q: Emissaries from the US and the EU are staying in Kosovo for dialogue. The same after the meetings with Prime Minister Kurti and President Osmani have stated that a solution must be found for dialogue. Where do you think the solution should be sought in Kosovo or Serbia?

A: I think the way forward now is what worked in the past: focus on issues with real benefits to citizens in both countries. That worked before 2013. I also think there is a big need for monitoring of implementation of past agreements. The EU and US should do that together.

Q: Do you think that Kosovo is being pressured regarding the dialogue?

A: Of course. Serbia will also be pressured. But I don’t think pressure is the key. Mutual benefit is the key.

Missing persons should not be stalled

Q: The topic of missing persons has somehow stalled in dialogue. Should Kosovo continue the dialogue if the issue of missing persons is not resolved?

A: I do not understand why the issue of missing persons has not been resolved. It is standard procedure to resolve such issues after war. It is best done promptly. Twenty years is not prompt.

The Association depends on context

Q: Should the Association of Serb Municipalities in Kosovo be allowed? The answer to this question depends on context. If Serbia were prepared to recognize Kosovo and advocate its UN membership, an association consistent with the Kosovo constitution would not, I think, look as troubling as it does today.