Grenell: The centerpiece of the "General Staff" project will be a Memorial – a place of remembrance of its history

Former US Special Envoy for the Belgrade-Pristina Dialogue Richard Grenell stated in an interview with Politika that he eagerly awaited the ideas of Serbian experts to honor architect Nikola Dobrovic, buildings, emotions, and patriotism at the site of the General Staff building, adding that the centerpiece of the project would be a Memorial serving as a reminder of the history of that building affected during the 1999 bombing.

"We are honored to partner with Serbs to turn this location into a world-class multipurpose project, with the centerpiece being a Memorial as a place of remembrance of its history. I am excited to see the ideas that Serbian experts will present to honor the original architect, buildings, emotions, and patriotism at this location. The idea of the Bridge of Friendship is an emotional part of the design that highlights the original buildings and serves as a beautiful reminder of architect Nikola Dobrovic's vision," Grenell said.

Regarding what the joint reconstruction by the US and Serbia of that building, heavily damaged in the NATO bombing in 1999, could mean for the relationship between the two countries, given the possibility that Jared Kushner's US company could "revitalize" the General Staff building, Grenell acknowledges that he does not understand or feel Balkan history as the Serbian people do, and no outsider can fully understand those emotions.

"But I am committed to helping build a future for Serbia dominated by peace and prosperity. Everyone involved in the reconstruction project is incredibly sensitive to the history of that facility," he said.

He notes that the destruction of the General Staff building in 1999 represented a significant cultural and architectural loss for Belgrade.

The joint US-Serbian project will be a bridge in many ways over that destructive conflict – not just between Serbia and the US after 1999 but also a bridge between ruins and the beautiful architectural history of Belgrade long before that.

"For many in the architectural community, the General Staff building is significant because of its original creator Nikola Dobrovic, an icon that introduced modernism into Belgrade's urban history. Designing the new project began with studying his original plan, and in collaboration with the Serbian community of architects and urban planners, it will develop as a bridge between the past and the future, between Serbs and Americans, between commemoration and innovation. In a way, returning to the idea of the original modernist architect, with the potential for urban renewal, will make this project world-class," he said.

Jared Kushner's company is supposed to get to lease the location of the bombed General Staff building in Belgrade for 99 years, free of charge. On that site, the company plans to build a luxury hotel and apartment complex, as well as a memorial and museum, according to The New York Times. The investment is worth $500 million, and according to the proposed contract, Serbia should receive 22% of the profits.

Grenell also hopes that relations between Serbia and the United States will strengthen every year and emphasizes his love for Serbia and the Serbian people.

"I believe I have shown my dedication to peace and prosperity throughout the Balkan region. I have been proud of the progress we have made and remain hopeful that leaders will implement the very good agreements made many years ago. Serbia has become a special place for me," Grenell said in an interview with Politika.

When asked why the international community tolerates the aggressive behavior of Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti, which came to the fore when Joseph Biden became President of the United States, Grenell points out that the international community is united in condemning Kurti's unilateral actions because, as he emphasizes, they create instability.

"Regarding Mr. Kurti's destabilizing actions, even the Biden administration has been very clear," he adds.

Speaking of the Agreement signed at the White House, which assumes economic cooperation between Belgrade and Pristina as a path to establishing better relations, and responding to whether the economy can rebuild bridges politics has destroyed, Grenell says that Donald Trump has always believed that creating jobs and developing the economy are the best ways to create a better life with fewer conflicts.

"During the Donald Trump administration, there were no new wars. On the contrary, several peace agreements were signed," he concluded.