Carafano: Regardless of the election outcome, I hope the future government will understand that a strong partnership with the US is in the interest of the people of Kosovo

Senior Counselor at the Heritage Foundation and American security expert James Carafano said in an interview for Kosovo Online that regardless of the outcome of the upcoming elections, he expects the future government to understand that a partnership with the United States is in the interest of the people of Kosovo.

Carafano also commented on the participation of Kosovo’s caretaker Prime Minister Albin Kurti at the European Political Community Summit.

“It seems that the prime minister went to Armenia, which is fine, but Armenia is quite far away. Kosovo is an independent state, we have always supported it and will continue to do so,” our interlocutor said.

What do you expect from the upcoming elections in Kosovo?

“The people of Kosovo should choose their representatives, but I must be honest, I do not see how Kosovo would benefit without a strong partnership with the United States. People in Kosovo have a special place in the hearts of Americans and we want to have good relations,” Carafano said.

How do you assess the current security situation in the Western Balkans?

“The situation is stable, but that is also part of the problem. We cannot remain indefinitely in a state without progress. I believe that is not good for any country in the region, and it is certainly not good for the United States, because we want a prosperous Europe and its continued development. The United States has made enormous investments in Central Europe. The real future energy and economic framework of Europe is based on that north-central, Central European connectivity. The Western Balkans is at the very center of that process, and that is why we cannot remain on the sidelines,” he said.

What is the US plan for the region?

“We cannot just stand still, we have to move forward. I am not speaking on behalf of the government, but it is clear that the United States wants progress for the entire region. A better solution for Bosnia and Herzegovina, a strong partnership with Croatia and Serbia, as well as their mutual cooperation. It also wants Kosovo to be part of regional processes. Our vision is for the Western Balkans to move from a region of concern to a region of economic inclusion, with the capacity to contribute to stability and security. We can constantly talk about problems or seize the opportunity. The United States wants to be a partner, we support local solutions to local challenges and we want people in the region to define the path forward themselves,” Carafano said.