US scholar: Kosovo dialogue doesn’t work

  Speaking to the Voice of America (VOA), the US scholar, familiar with the Balkans, said on Tuesday (April 10)  that “the frozen conflict is not a solution but rather a trigger for additional animosities”, an opinion he beleived was shared by the US Government.

“It”, he added, “also prevents Serbia from reaching its goal – becoming a member of the EU.”

Joseph said he believed he knew who had information about the perpetrators in the assassination of a Kosovo Serb leader Oliver Ivanovic in Kosovska Mitrovica on January 16.

“I tend to believe that the regime in Belgrade knows who killed Ivanovic. I don’t know why they don’t want to say that, because the public, Ivanovic’s family and Kosovo citizens deserve the answer to that question,” Joseph said.

He added he doubted that authorities in Pristina were “in position to investigate the case because their power in the north is limited. I believe that it had to do with conflict between the Serbs of which the Albanians know nothing about... or less than Belgrade authorities”.

Joseph added that new appointments in the States – Mike Pompeo as the Secretary of State and John Bolton as national security advisor – could lead to a bit stronger interest for the Russian influence, but stressed that Kosovo policy would not change.

“No one in Serbia should expect any dramatic changes in the US policy. There is consensus in Washington as to two facts: reality on the ground and the need to protect the Serb rights both north and south of the Ibar river,” Joseph elaborated.

He said that Kosovo UN membership also depended on Belgrade say, adding that the recognition of independence was not essential.

“If Belgrade reaches full understanding with Pristina regarding Kosovo status, I believe that Moscow and Beijing would go along… I am sure that the key is with Belgrade -  to do what President (Aleksandar) Vucic wrote a year ago – it is about time for the Serbs to forget illusions and accept the reality in Kosovo,” Joseph added.