US considers appointing a Special Envoy, seeks the essence of agreement from Kosovo and Serbia

Lajme

Gazeta Express

11/02/2021 12:21

Politicians familiar with the Western Balkans region have repeatedly warned that the continuation of the “status quo” between Kosovo and Serbia is not a good thing for the security of the region. Russian influence towards Serbia is seen as one of the problems, as it could pull official Belgrade off the EU integration path. This has prompted the United States and the European Union to continually make efforts to find a final solution that would establish a long-term stability in the region.

But Brussels and Washington have differences, despite working closely together when it comes to the finale of the negotiations. The EU consistently emphasizes the phrase “comprehensive and legally binding agreement”, while Washington openly states that part of the final agreement between Kosovo and Serbia should be mutual recognition. Former US President Donald Trump emphasized this in his letter, while President Joe Biden said the same thing in his congratulations to the Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic on the occasion of the day of Serbian state.

But, in more detail, what will be the approach of the new United States administration to the negotiations between Pristina and Belgrade?

In an exclusive response to Gazeta Express, officials from the US Embassy in Pristina say that Washington fully supports the dialogue facilitated by Brussels, while quoting President Biden who said that a comprehensive agreement should lead to mutual recognition, by preserving the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the two states.

“The United States fully supports the EU-facilitated Dialogue between Kosovo and Serbia aimed at a comprehensive normalization agreement. As President Biden has said, “A comprehensive settlement that will lead to mutual recognition, preserve the sovereignty and territorial integrity of both states, and strengthen their democratic institutions is essential for Kosovo and Serbia to move forward. It would enhance both countries’ security and prosperity, advance their aspirations for membership in the European Union and other multilateral institutions, and support the enduring aim of a Europe whole, free, and at peace,” an Embassy told Gazeta Express. “The substance of any agreement must come from the parties themselves. We are ready to listen and help in any way to support both parties and the EU, as a facilitator, in finding a mutually agreed solution.” 

In order to implement such an approach to the negotiations, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has announced that he is considering appointing a Special Envoy for the region. The US Embassy in Pristina confirmed this.

When asked if a special envoy for the dialogue between Kosovo and Serbia would be appointed, an embassy spokesman quoted Secretary Blinken as saying in his hearing before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, “If confirmed, I will carefully consider the question of a special envoy for the region.” 

Throughout the Donald Trump administration, it was Envoy Richard Grenell who led the US effort to lead Kosovo and Serbia to an economic normalization agreement.

The agreement was signed on 4 September at the White House, and Kosovo has already begun to enjoy its first benefits, starting with the recognition of independence from Israel, while a few days ago the US investment agreement entered into force.

It remains to be seen how intensively the Biden administration will approach the work for a final agreement. In Kosovo, there is an expectation that this issue will be closed within this year, while there is still skepticism from Brussels that something can be achieved soon. /GazetaExpress/