USA: Balkans vulnerable due to Russian influence, Serbia to be held responsible for Banjska

Washington, D.C. – Participants in discussions in the US House of Representatives Foreign Affairs Committee called on President Donald Trump’s administration to become more involved in the Western Balkans in order to stabilize the region. They concluded that Russia, represented by Serbia, was the main factor contributing to destabilization. Republican Chairman of the Subcommittee on Europe Keith Self described the Western Balkans as “the most unstable region in Europe” after Russian-occupied Ukraine at the opening of Tuesday’s hearing. Foreign and security experts criticized the US approach in the region to date as unbalanced and dangerous for regional stability. Edward P. Joseph, a lecturer at Johns Hopkins University and an expert on conflict management, emphasized that Serbia does not recognize Kosovo’s independence. He referred to the Serbian constitution and the decision of the International Court of Justice in The Hague.

“Serbia does not recognize Kosovo’s right to exist as a sovereign state. Belgrade did not accept the 2010 ruling by the International Court of Justice that Kosovo’s declaration of independence did not violate international law,” Joseph said.

He also criticized US policy toward the region, noting that strategic dialogue with Serbia without the involvement of Kosovo had led to an unbalanced approach.

“This unbalanced approach has led to flashpoints such as the attack in Banjska in northern Kosovo and has failed to hold Serbia accountable for its actions,” he said. With regard to the election crisis in Kosovo, Joseph emphasized the importance of US engagement in stabilizing the country and protecting strategic interests.

“Kosovo has great energy potential and should be included in any regional agreement that includes its recognition. This is essential for regional stability and US interests,” he added. Experts also highlighted the destabilizing influence of Russian and local actors, including Milorad Dodik and the Serbian Orthodox Church.

“Dodik has hindered Bosnia’s efforts to integrate into NATO and continued Moscow’s agenda to destabilize the country,” Joseph said.

Serbia’s relations with China and Russia were also discussed, as well as the impact of economic agreements that, according to experts, do not bring the country closer to the United States.

“Serbia is already well within the sphere of influence of Russia and China, and only NATO can change that dynamic,” Joseph said, emphasizing that the majority of the Serbian population is more positive toward NATO than toward the European Union. American experts spoke out in favor of supporting Macedonia in its fight against Bulgarian pressure and suggested that the United States should support Albania and Montenegro on their path to the EU by monitoring the judiciary and ensuring respect for political rights. / TheGeoPost