Summary of the week 58

On whose side are the west, justice, and time? The answers to this question change from week to week, and there are not always definitive or absolute truths. That is why we continue to ask them in this week’s Summary.

Constant tensions demand urgent solutions. However, urgency is a relative concept. Elections and vote counting can take months, as can government formation. And familiarization with the situation? That can take forever. In that spirit, another visit by the new European envoy, Søren Gade Sørensen, to the region has passed.

"I would say this was, just like in Pristina, an informational meeting," says Aleksandar Sljuka from the New Social Initiative.

Bit by bit, after years of patient effort, some positions crystallize—until they change again. The current stance of the EU is analyzed by Milan Igrutinovic from the Institute for European Studies:

"European countries have imposed sanctions, and their current position is that they should not be too lenient with Pristina," says Igrutinovic.

He adds: "The EU believes that Pristina should no longer be rewarded for its defiance, obstinacy, and opposition to everything."

Although some processes are long, uncertain, and subject to change, others—such as those in Nairobi—can lead to the desired outcomes.

"The key influence was that of former minister Pacolli," says former diplomat Dragan Zupanjevac. "Pacolli," he explains, "entered into commercial and lucrative relations with the President of Kenya..."

Time and money were not spared for such decisions. The question remains whether it was worth it and for whom. Analysts in Pristina believe that there will be no struggle over the benefits.

"I think this is a victory for Kosovo, and who among the politicians wins or loses is not really important," says legal expert Shkelzen Sopjani.

Sometimes, the game is played for the future; other times, it is fought against the past. Such battles are long-term and well-targeted. Museum advisor Bojan Popovic has been monitoring Pristina's official approach to Serbian cultural heritage for years:

"When it comes to monuments, the tendency is to present them in any way—just not as Serbian," concludes Popovic.

At times, criticism is constructive and welcomed. But sometimes, after the first few remarks, everyone already knows how things will unfold. Within Self-Determination (LVV), there are no dilemmas.

"When you start criticizing Kurti, the only option is to leave," says political analyst Artan Muhaxhiri.

And when that option is unavailable, time moves even slower. After nearly two and a half years in detention, both urgency and justice lose their meaning. Sladjan Trajkovic's experience in prison is testified to by his wife:

"I regret that this image cannot be sent out to the world, that we have no one to turn to," says Suzana Trajkovic.

"As always, the judge is both the accuser and the one who sentences," she concludes.