By Maria Mardiki
Serbia’s Minister for Kosovo Goran Bogdanovic told Belgrade daily Vecernje Novosti, that Belgrade is prepared to sit to the negotiations table with Pristina regarding the situation in Kosovo and that he expects the negotiations to start as soon as possible because it is in the interest of both Serbs and Albanians to start finding solutions on Kosovo’s open issues.
“All those with good will and realistic views know that the current situation in Kosovo cannot be sustained and suits no one, which is why proper and honest negotiations must be held to reach a compromise between Serbs and ethnic Albanians and solve everyday issues in our province,” he also said.
The main topic will have to be centered to Kosovo, according to Bogdanovic as almost all issues are related to it. Legitimate representatives of Kosovo Albanians will negotiate with Serbia given the fact that they will be willing to talk with the Kosovo authorities in case Prime Minister Hashim Thaci is chosen to participate in the negotiations, given the elections in Kosovo.
Whether the negotiations will take place or not is not an easy task as it is part of the further ‘enigma’ of the Balkans, where the past is always present and defines the future of any attempt to solve any issue. Centuries of history and myths shape daily events in the Balkans while the conflicts are not based on one problem but rather are a mélange of issues :ethnic identity, nationalism, economics, regional differences, forms of government and a mixture of Wars over the years. Potential solutions to the ongoing wars in the Balkans cannot focus solely on some of the many wars underway. Therefore, any kind of negotiations ought to weave a solution that addresses multiple issues as a complete whole.
However in order to create a comprehensive solution in such a complex strategic environment cannot be an easy task. Creating solutions is a fraught of dangers as individual initiatives can run at cross purposes leading to potential pitfalls that will underscore the importance of possessing a deep and thorough understanding of each conflict.
Long term solutions are even harder to achieve as they will be protracted and difficult. If a lasting peace is to be achieved in the region, a fundamental break from the past has to be succeeded along with a numerous effective diplomatic actions.
