Germany against change of borders between Belgrade and Pristina

In an interview with Deutsche Welle in Albanian, Roth added he expected Tirana to use its influence and prevent the destabilisation.

“The Western Balkans territorial integrity is crucial to us. The attempts to change the borders had caused endless sufferings. That’s why I think such thoughts cannot lead to success but are extremely dangerous,” Roth said.

He reiterated the European Union stand that Belgrade and Pristina need “a comprehensive agreement which will solve all technical issues, finally regulate relations and enable both Serbia and Kosovo to join the EU.”

Roth said the US and some European countries had a different view on solving the dispute but said Berlin “believes Kosovo – Serbia agreement should empower stability in both countries.”

“I don’t see how that can be achieved by border change. On the contrary, the Western Balkans would not be peaceful. I hear the neighbouring countries expressing fear of the domino effect. For the EU accession process that would not be helpful,” Roth said.

The EU is officially against, but the US has a more flexible opinion about redrawing of the border.

Kosovo’s President Hashim Thaci has been advocating border correction to include the annexation of a part of southern Serbia populated by ethnic Albanians, but recently said that even “minor correction” would be acceptable if the price would be a final settlement.

His Serbia’s counterpart Aleksandar Vucic had mentioned “the separation with Albanians” once but did not elaborate.

Ramush Haradinaj is explicitly against any changes of the border, saying it would lead to a catastrophe.

However, some Western capitals do not exclude the option if both sides agree on.