Gogic: UNSC members agree that Pristina is the cause of the crisis in Kosovo and that the solution is the CSM

Political analyst Ognjen Gogic points out that the main takeaway from the UN Security Council (UNSC) session on the UNMIK report is that there is a kind of consensus and shared understanding among members that Pristina's unilateral actions are the cause of the crisis in Kosovo, and that the solution to the problem is the formation of the Community of Serb Municipalities (CSM).

Gogic notes that some ambassadors called on "both sides" to refrain from unilateral actions, but that, for Serbia, this was more of a hypothetical warning.

According to him, the UNMIK report is clear – Pristina's unilateral measures are the root of the crisis.

"The impression after the UNSC session on the UNMIK report is that among UNSC members and ambassadors – all of whom spoke and gave their opinions – there is a certain consensus and shared understanding that Pristina's unilateral actions are the cause of the crisis in Kosovo. They called for both sides to refrain from unilateral measures, but this was more of a hypothetical appeal to preemptively ask Serbia not to take unilateral steps. However, the UNMIK report, or rather the report of the Secretary-General, is very clear – the crisis is caused by Pristina's unilateral actions. Here, it is not about both sides taking contentious actions, thus, the appeal was aimed at discouraging Serbia from taking any hypothetical unilateral actions," Gogic stated for Kosovo Online.

Despite differences among ambassadors, the political analyst emphasizes that two key themes emerged during the session.

The first, he says, is that Pristina's unilateral actions undermine the position of a minority community in Kosovo and must be carried out in coordination with that community and with the international community at large.

The second point is that the formation of the CSM is part of the solution to the problem, Gogic highlights.

However, he notes that this is not something Pristina wants to hear.

"Foreign Minister Donika Gervalla rejected these condemnations and claims that Pristina's unilateral actions are the cause of the crisis. She argued that these actions are legitimate and actually prevent Serbia's interference. No one supported this stance, nor did anyone agree with her assessment. Gervalla also stated that the CSM is a tool that Serbia, and even Russia, would use to destabilize Kosovo. Again, no one supported this position. Even countries that recognize and promote Kosovo's independence, such as the US, mentioned the CSM in their statements as part of the solution," Gogic observed.

He adds that, despite geopolitical differences, there is a common understanding among all UNSC members.

At the same time, he notes that Kosovo appeared isolated, standing alone in its position that Serbia is the one destabilizing the situation in northern Kosovo through mechanisms it has on the ground.

When asked about the possibility of the US request that UNSC sessions on the UNMIK report be held annually and closed to the public, Gogic explained that this is the stance generally held by countries that support Kosovo’s independence.

According to him, these countries believe that UNMIK is redundant in Kosovo and that its mission is outdated.

"By the same logic, Resolution 1244, which still upholds part of the UN mandate, is obsolete, and there is no longer a need for such a mechanism. This would mean ending sessions to review the report. This is part of a package that these countries believe should lead to Kosovo’s eventual membership in the UN. The US even stated in the session that it views recognition as the ultimate solution. So this is consistent with their stance that Kosovo should no longer be a point on the agenda but should instead become a UN member," Gogic said.

However, he notes, achieving this requires consensus, and other UNSC members have a say.

"For example, China stood in complete contrast to the US and openly supported Serbia’s territorial integrity. So, it is unlikely that the US and other like-minded countries will garner the necessary support in the UNSC to change the perspective on Kosovo, even on procedural matters such as the semi-annual reporting and report review. There won’t be support for this, let alone for more far-reaching moves, such as the recognition of Kosovo as a UN member," Gogic concluded.