Kosovo’s Prime Minister Albin Kurti has urged US President Donald Trump to exert pressure on Serbia to normalize relations. This call comes after Trump, now in his second term, indicated he would re-engage in resolving tensions between Pristina and Belgrade. Kurti emphasized that a 2023 agreement exists but Serbia continues to violate its terms.
Kurti’s Call For Action
Kosovo’s Prime Minister Albin Kurti has publicly appealed to US President Donald Trump to compel Serbia to normalize relations with Kosovo. Kurti highlighted that despite a 2023 agreement on the path to normalization, Serbia has consistently violated and ignored its provisions. He stressed that normalization remains possible only if Belgrade implements this agreement.
Key Takeaways
- Kosovo’s PM Albin Kurti seeks US President Trump’s intervention to pressure Serbia into normalizing relations.
- Kurti asserts that a 2023 agreement exists but Serbia is not adhering to it.
- Trump, in his second term, has expressed intent to address the Kosovo-Serbia tensions.
- Kurti outlined specific conditions for Serbia, including handing over Milan Radoicic and withdrawing a statement rejecting Kosovo’s territorial integrity.
Trump’s Renewed Engagement
President Trump, now in his second term, has signaled his intention to re-engage in the Serbia-Kosovo dialogue. He previously stated on Truth Social that he prevented a "fierce clash" during his first term and criticized his successor for undermining regional stability, vowing to "fix it, again." During his initial presidency, the 2020 Washington Agreement on economic normalization was signed, though it remains only partially implemented.
Conditions For Normalization
Kurti outlined several conditions for Belgrade to meet for normalization to proceed:
- Handing over Milan Radoicic, accused of killing Kosovo police officer Afrim Bunjaku.
- Signing the Basic Agreement.
- Withdrawing a 2023 statement by former Serbian prime minister Ana Brnabic rejecting Kosovo’s territorial integrity.
International Context
The European Union, which mediates the dialogue between Kosovo and Serbia, considers the 2023 agreement binding, despite Serbia’s refusal to formally sign it. High-level talks have been stalled since September 2023, but recent announcements from EU envoy Peter Sorensen suggest preparations for a new round of dialogue are underway. Kurti welcomed continued US engagement, describing the US as an "irreplaceable partner" in defense, diplomacy, and development, and reiterated that Serbia must fulfill its obligations under the Brussels and Ohrid agreements reached in 2023.
