Hoti: Neither Pahor nor the EU can change much in the dialogue without the influence of the USA

Political analyst from Pristina Afrim Hoti told Kosovo Online that Borut Pahor cannot change much in the dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina, and neither can the European Union without the influence of the USA.

He states that more can be expected if one considers that Pahor comes from the Balkans, from Slovenia, and is familiar with the relations between Kosovo and Serbia.

"In that sense, he is more familiar than others and maybe can personally contribute a bit more compared to Lajcak. But on the other hand, I don't think that either Pahor or Lajcak, together with the EU, can push the process forward without the influence of the USA," Hoti emphasizes.

According to him, "it is in everyone's interest to change the rules of the game," especially for the Balkans, Serbia, and Kosovo, but it would also be beneficial for the EU.

"It is now obvious that the EU's plan to support the Balkan countries above all envisions that the relations between Serbia and Kosovo are resolved. Without resolving this issue, there will be no investments or support for the Balkans from the EU," our interlocutor states.

He believes that Pahor's statements that he can bring changes to the dialogue are part of his promotion because being in that position is very important not only for Pahor but for anyone who takes on the responsibility.

Hoti explains that the postponement of Pahor's appointment as the EU mediator for the dialogue came due to the "sensitivity of the moment."

"The EU is in the phase of consolidating new institutions. Until they have a new body to lead this process, they have assessed it as realistic to delay Lajcak's departure for a few more months, but definitely a new mediator is coming soon," Hoti concludes.