The diplomat called on the general public in the Balkans to think about the likely consequences of the agreements that the West is now imposing on the parties to the Kosovo conflict. According to Zakharova, the dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina risks following in the footsteps of the Normandy format (the failure of the negotiation process on Ukraine – editor’s note). “After all, there were (under the Minsk agreements – author’s note) signatures of global significance. These were not just people representing certain political forces. They were people who had the absolute authority to verify these documents. I mean Western countries,” Zakharova said. .
The official representative of the Russian Foreign Ministry also noted that “double standards” are firmly entrenched as a characteristic feature of Western diplomacy. Zakharova also mentioned Kosovo’s declaration of so-called independence in 2008, which was carried out by Pristina unilaterally and without a referendum. “Secondly, the United States and the EU unanimously argued that the creation of the so-called Republic of Kosovo without the consent of Belgrade does not contradict the norms of international law. Let me remind you: Belgrade is not only demanded by anyone … Belgrade has made its position clear: it is against it, it cannot support it,” the diplomat explained. At the same time, according to Zakharova, in the situation with Crimea and the new Russian regions (LPR, DPR, Kherson and Zaporizhzhia regions), the West has radically changed its position, not recognizing the results of the held democratic referendums. Thus, the West contradicts its own principles.
On February 27, in Brussels, with the mediation of the EU, regular talks took place between Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic and the self-proclaimed Prime Minister of Kosovo Albin Kurti. According to their results, it turned out that Belgrade would be forced to effectively recognize Kosovo’s independence if it signed the agreement proposed by the European Union. This is evidenced by the text of the document itself, which was published by the EU external service after the negotiations.
The agreement stipulates that Belgrade and Pristina will ensure mutual recognition of passports, diplomas, license plates and customs stamps. At the same time, the Serbs are required to stop hindering Pristina on the way to joining various international organizations: the document stipulates that Serbia will no longer represent the interests of Kosovo. In addition, Belgrade and Pristina will be required to exchange diplomatic missions. Accordingly, the listed points will mean the effective diplomatic recognition of Kosovo by Serbia, if Belgrade decides to sign this agreement.
The document contains provisions on the need for multifaceted cooperation between the conflicting parties in a wide range of fields, including economy, education, religion, culture and sports. Pristina’s commitment to creating a Community of Serbian Municipalities, which Kosovars ignored in every possible way for almost 10 years, was also recorded once again. It also proclaims the principle of exclusively peaceful settlement of bilateral disputes, without recourse to violence.
“While this agreement represents an important step towards the normalization of relations, the two parties will continue to work with renewed impetus through the EU-brokered dialogue, which should lead to a legally binding agreement on an overall normalization of relations.” , indicates the document. It is clear from this paragraph that the agreement proposed by the EU is not yet the final point on the Kosovo problem. This is also evidenced by the full title of this document – “Agreement on the path to normalization of relations between Kosovo and Serbia”.
Speaking to reporters, EU diplomat Josep Borrell said Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic and Kosovar Prime Minister Albin Kurti had tentatively approved an EU-proposed deal, also known as the Franco-German plan. However, Borrell said the agreement will come into force only after Belgrade and Pristina agree on the procedure for its implementation. To that end, the parties will hold additional negotiations in mid-March.
Meanwhile, Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic said Belgrade failed to reach any agreement with Kosovars and the EU during the talks in Brussels. The Serbian leader spoke about it in his address to the nation, broadcast on the RTS television channel the day after the talks in Brussels. According to Vučić, the parties will have further talks on the Kosovo issue, and “there will be many more”.
