Bystron: Kosovo recognition was a mistake, as was the West's unilateral support for Pristina

The spokesperson for foreign affairs of Alternative for Germany (AfD) and member of the Bundestag, Petr Bystron, stated that the recognition of Kosovo was a mistake, as was the West's unilateral support for Pristina.

In an interview with Kosovo Online, Bystron criticized Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti's inappropriate attempt to portray Serbs as "vassals of Russia" and Albanians as victims, adding that his "ethnocentric chauvinism" should not be tolerated in Europe.

How would you assess the current political situation in the Balkans?

The AfD is extremely concerned about the escalation of violence. Despite the massive military presence of the international community, the conflicts between Kosovo Albanians and Serbs have not been resolved in the past 24 years. The recognition of Kosovo was a mistake, as was the unilateral support of the West for Pristina.

How do you evaluate the actions of Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti?

Kurti's attempt to demonize Serbs and portray them as vassals of Russia, while presenting Albanians in Kosovo as victims, is inappropriate. However, this aligns with the usual narrative in countries where the United States dominates: anyone who opposes American interests is currently discredited as an agent of Moscow. Ethnocentric chauvinism practiced by Kurti should not be tolerated on the European political scene, let alone supported by any European government.

What is your message to Serbs in Kosovo?

I advise restraint in protests while remaining uncompromising in political demands. They are right. The NATO bombing of Yugoslavia was an injustice. The forced secession of Kosovo from the territory of Yugoslavia was an injustice. Something that is born out of injustice cannot last long. Stay consistent. Kosovo is Serbia.

Is it still possible to continue the dialogue in the current circumstances? Hasn't the dialogue failed because, ten years after the Brussels Agreement, Pristina has not fulfilled its obligations, especially regarding the Community of Serb Municipalities?

In principle, dialogue is always possible. However, dialogue in Kosovo, mediated by the EU, can be considered a failure because Pristina has not respected and implemented the agreements that were reached. The EU has once again shown its powerlessness. It is quite clear that Serbs want the Community of Serb Municipalities as a kind of guarantor of their rights. Without this association, it will be difficult to conduct negotiations. The EU needs to devise a new strategy and, if necessary, resort to sanctions. It cannot go unnoticed that Pristina has refused to respect the reached agreements for ten years, as in the case of the CSM.

French President Emmanuel Macron, as well as the United States, have condemned Pristina's actions and clearly stated that only Kurti is responsible for the new escalation. Why is Germany silent?

The French have fundamentally different views on the Balkans compared to the German government. The French are against EU enlargement to the countries of the Western Balkans, while the Germans push for it, regardless of the cost. In Berlin, people often turn a blind eye to reality, simply ignoring facts that do not fit into their concept. It is evident to everyone that the region is still a powder keg, and it once caused a world war. But in Berlin, there is "mumbling" about "calming the situation." Now we see how "peaceful" the situation is...