... in previous years, with both pro-Russian and pro-Western politicians.
France does not seek to curb the sway of the U.S. in the Balkans or in Europe but aims to increase its own influence. Paris needs to make up for the loss of face it suffered from Russia in the Middle East and in Africa.
The prospect of Kosovo’s membership in the Council of Europe is pretty much a done deal for several reasons. First, the 2013 Brussels Agreement between Belgrade and Pristina prevents the former from obstructing Kosovo’s accession to regional organizations. Second,...
... notice the pressure that has been and continues to be exerted on WB countries to force them to join EU sanctions policy against Russia without any regard to specific national interest and long-lasting ties.
A policy of drawing WB countries into NATO, another ... ... of building political alliances, having nothing to do with democracy, are not only unacceptable, but dangerous.
Situation in Kosovo (especially in the north) remains explosive and needed to be addressed on the basis of UNSCR 1244. The reaction of respective ...
... Bucharest Declaration, members concurred that the alliance “welcomes Ukraine’s and Georgia’s Euro-Atlantic aspirations for membership ... [and] these countries will become members of NATO.” [
28
]
On war in Syria, regime change in Libya, and Kosovo’s independence
Cohen writes that a U.S.-Russia détente also died in Syria, where the two largely failed to cooperate to defeat Islamist extremist forces. And while some American politicians (such as Hillary Clinton) were promoting a logical “no fly zone” in Syria, Cohen thinks such a plan,...
... strategies towards Taiwan, as well as towards partially and unrecognized states in Europe, are global and interconnected, raising questions about Washington's interest in recognizing Kosovo in February 2008. The CIA was aware the diplomatic recognition of Kosovo would have an impact not only on the stability in the Balkans, but also on Russian and Chinese diplomacy in the Black Sea area (eg. recognition of Abkhazia and South-Ossetia by Moscow) and the South China Sea (more tensions between China and Taiwan).
Bibliography
Central Intelligence Agency
(CIA) National Intelligence Estimate ...
... destabilization scenario that was seen as unlikely failed to materialize in the region fully. Nevertheless, specific crisis trends that had been predicted did come true.
In the regard, the return of former members of the Islamic State (IS, banned in the Russian Federation) terrorist group to their countries of residence, in particular to Bosnia and Herzegovina, Albania and the unrecognized Republic of Kosovo
appears
to be a principal problem today. This already creates hotbeds of tensions in predominantly Muslim areas in the Balkans. The European Union’s
position
on the matter is no cause for optimism either.
The degradation of the political regimes ...
... the European Union and NATO tolerate
this kind
of Balkans (stagnating politically and economically, and thus combustible and living exclusively in the past)?
Why does the inclusion of the United States and the United Kingdom in the negotiations on Kosovo does not mean inclusion of Russia?
Why do both the United States and the European Union turn a blind eye to the growing tension in the region (the emerging split between the Orthodox Church and the radicalization of the Islamic environment)?
Moscow should then propose searching ...
... Europe on an equal footing or very close to being equal. However, in the context of the recent developments, this scenario is considered to be the most rational one for the Balkan states themselves.
Ekaterina Entina, Dejan Novakovic:
Negotiations on Kosovo 2019 — Opportunities and Limitations for Russia
Long-term Scenario of a “Package” Settlement
The “spontaneous” territorial organization designed for the Balkan peoples did not bode well with them. Some representatives of the local establishment and the expert community pass the verdict ...
... the negotiation process, or at least declare its intentions. And in doing so, it will definitely take the Serbian side. This circumstance raises the visit of the Russian president to Belgrade to the level of a “historical event.”
Possible Ways of Russia’s Inclusion: Settling Kosovo and Solving Other Balkan Issues
On the one hand, if Moscow supported Belgrade, it would entail nothing but the development of an additional area of confrontation between Russia and the West, while Kremlin’s military and political positions would ...
... that Serbia needs to meet the challenge that lies ahead. But the question is how to do it, with virtually destroyed economy and constant surveillance and the activity of the countries that have recognized the unilaterally proclaimed independence of Kosovo and Metohija? Intelligent policy on the walk in a minefield was the only solution .David did not beat Goliath with power, but by cunning and cleverness... Serbian military cooperation with Russia was not at the level at which both parties would like to be, but it's improved lately. Signing of the Declaration on Strategic Partnership between Serbia and Russia gave new impetus . This act has opened a road to enhanced cooperation in all areas ...
