Rama: Serbia not ready to accept Kosovo's independence reality

Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama has placed primary responsibility on Serbia for the stalled dialogue with Kosovo, asserting that Belgrade is unwilling to accept the reality of Kosovo's independence. In an interview with Euronews, Rama stated that Serbia "is not ready to accept the reality that there is no longer something called Kosovo and Metohija, but only the Republic of Kosovo."

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Serbia is the most responsible for the situation we have in the dialogue, because it is not ready to accept the reality, and the reality has changed. There is no longer something called Kosovo and Metohija, there is the Republic of Kosovo.

Rama countered arguments about EU member states not recognizing Kosovo by noting that five out of 27 is a small number, indicating a majority has acknowledged the changed reality. He drew parallels to other former Yugoslav nations that became independent, asserting that Albanians also had a right to self-determination, provided it is accompanied by good cooperation and harmonious relations with minorities. "Today, Albanians are no longer a minority in Serbia, but Serbs are a minority in Kosovo," Rama observed.

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Here it is not about weakness, but about accepting the facts that reality has changed. Just as all other peoples of former Yugoslavia found their way and became independent, so did the Albanians have the right to self-determination. Of course, with good cooperation and a harmonious relationship with the minority. Today, Albanians are no longer a minority in Serbia, but Serbs are a minority in Kosovo.

When asked about Kosovo's Prime Minister Albin Kurti's refusal to implement the Brussels Agreement, particularly the formation of the Community of Serb Municipalities, Rama declined to delve into the specifics. He acknowledged that while some actions could be debated, he also mentioned the existence of "terror from terrorist groups coming from Serbia." However, he adhered to his principle of never speaking about the opposition in a foreign language.

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I have one rule that I always follow. I never speak about the opposition in a foreign language. Do not ask me to say things in a foreign language that relate to Albin Kurti and my brothers and sisters in Kosovo.

Rama emphasized that Serbia, as the largest country in the region, has a role and history it must confront. "In my opinion, and I have said this in Belgrade too, the sooner Serbia confronts the reality that there is a new reality, the better it will be for it," he stated. He also issued a warning about the risks of leaving EU candidate countries behind, suggesting they could fall under the influence of Russia or China. Rama referred to these seven negotiating countries, Albania, Montenegro, Serbia, North Macedonia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Ukraine, and Moldova, as "Ursula's children," alluding to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

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In my opinion, and I have said this in Belgrade too, the sooner Serbia confronts the reality that there is a new reality, the better it will be for it.