Baraliu on Hovenier's statement: It is up to foreign diplomats to advise, not to demand

Mazlum Baraliu, a professor of constitutional law, commented on the statement made by the U.S. ambassador to Pristina, Jeffrey Hovenier, that there were two demands for the Kosovo Government, and he emphasized that foreign diplomats could give advice but could not make demands, adding that he did not expect KFOR to withdraw from the north after the statement from the U.S. diplomat.

"They can provide advice but not interfere in internal affairs. Every government has the obligation to do what is necessary. It would be good to reach a political agreement. Diplomacy cannot demand anything in a sovereign country. They behave like this not only towards Kosovo but also towards all Balkan countries, and governments that have received over 50% of citizens' trust should be taken into account," Baraliu said for Kosovo Online.

Considering the government in Pristina, he said that the U.S., the international community, and the Quint must engage more to expedite the dialogue process.

"Public opinion and institutions can perceive those demands as dictation. It will not make positive progress in the process of reconciliation," Baraliu emphasized.

He also believes that a representative of one country cannot speak about a protectorate in northern Kosovo.

"It is not appropriate for anyone. Neither does anyone have the right, regardless of which country they come from, to express themselves in that manner. There is an accepted constitution. The vocabulary of certain representatives of the international community contributes the least to calming tensions. The behavior of foreign representatives and the Kosovo Government must be reasonable; efforts should be made to find solutions with the international community to proceed with the implementation of agreed-upon agreements," Baraliu added.

Baraliu notes that everyone must be cautious in situations of high tension and states that it is evident that there are disagreements in Kosovo.

He does not expect the U.S. troops of KFOR to withdraw from the north of Kosovo after Hovenier's statement since, as he states, they have their own interests in this situation.

Baraliu also mentioned that nothing is achieved through sanctions but through agreement because "agreement builds the house."

He also added that the international community should reconsider its attitude towards Balkan countries.