Volker: Kosovo should ease tensions, West should oppose Serb nationalism

Former U.S. Ambassador to NATO Kurt Volker says the Kosovar government was wrong to act in the north without consulting the U.S. and EU. He adds, however, that the West should not overlook the nationalist tendencies that follow Serbia in the region. In an interview for the Voice of America, Mr. Volker, an expert at the Center for European Policy Analysis, urges the Kosovar government to take steps to reduce tensions, but says the United States and the European Union must also commit to countering efforts that could undermine Kosovo’s sovereignty.

Voice of America: Ambassador Volker, what is your opinion about the recent tensions in the North of Kosovo and the escalations there?

Kurt Volker: First of all, I have to say that it is a very dangerous situation. We have often seen in the past how ethnic nationalism has led to open conflicts in the Balkans. This kind of thing must be prevented at all costs. With this in mind, I think the actions of the Kosovo police were excessive. They should have acted with more maturity. But on the other hand, we have to understand that the reason why everything started was the perennial nationalist activity of Serbia in Kosovo, Bosnia, Montenegro and Serbia itself, and there was no attempt to stop it. I think that this led to a situation where Kosovo felt that its sovereignty was being undermined. The refusal of the Serb community (in Kosovo) to participate in local elections, the efforts to establish a Association of municipalities with the support of Serbia, all this gave the impression that Serbia was trying to intervene in Kosovo, which, of course, was unacceptable to the Kosovar authorities.

Under these conditions, the solution lies in greater engagement by the United States and the European Union, which must fight off these nationalistic tendencies and focus its efforts on creating stability, economic growth, and development for all.

Voice of America: The U.S. Secretary of State held the Kosovar government directly responsible for the “forcible entry into municipalities” and emphasized that the actions were taken without consulting the United States. Do you think the Kosovar government should have been more careful and weighed the possible consequences before taking such steps?

Kurt Volker: First of all, the close relations with the United States are crucial for Kosovo. Therefore, it was premature and unwise on their part to take these measures without consulting the United States. And I think that is reflected in Foreign Minister Blinken’s statement. At the same time, I think the statement overlooks some of the responsibility of the United States and the European Union for failing to control some of these serb nationalist actions over time, which was also the reason for Kosovo’s anger.

So from Kosovo’s point of view, it was a combination of factors. However, it is important that Kosovo take steps to reduce tensions and work with the international community, because it will not be in a more favorable situation to confront Serb nationalism on its own than if it works with the international community.

Voice of America: However, from the interviews and statements of Prime Minister Albin Kurti, it seems that he is not taking a step back, but is emphasizing that in the face of a regime like that of Serbia, the government will not back down and will defend its democracy. Are these statements constructive?

Kurt Volker: I understand his point of view and also the fact that it is politically important for him not to appear weak. But at the same time, I think that he and the Kosovo authorities in general should find a way to defuse the situation, to return to cooperation with the U.S. and the European Union, and at the same time insist that the international community take a stronger role than it has played so far in defending against nationalist actions.

I also think it is important that the U.S. also make efforts to de-escalate so that the situation does not get worse.

Voice of America: The U.S. Ambassador to Kosovo, Jeff Hovenier, said that NATO has cancelled Kosovo’s participation in the Defender 23 exercise in response to Kosovo’s attitude. Do you think that is an appropriate reaction?

Kurt Volker: I think it’s a matter of judgment. It’s clear that the United States government is dissatisfied with the government of Kosovo, and it wanted to do something to express that dissatisfaction. I think that because of the way Kosovo has acted, without consulting the United States directly, the United States is trying to take a stand. Personally, I think we should support Kosovo’s independence and sovereignty and advise them to step back, calm down, not let the situation escalate, and take a more balanced approach to the role that nationalism is playing in the region at these moments.

Voice of America: Given the harshness of this American stance, how much do you think the relationship between the two countries, which both sides considered special, was damaged?

Kurt Volker: I guess I would describe the current situation as frustration and nervousness. I hope that the situation will get back on track.