Koka: Support for the Srebrenica Resolution – a matter of moral integrity

Political analyst and chief editor of Albanian "Syri TV," Bledian Koka, assesses that the adoption of the Srebrenica Resolution, as well as the cosponsorship of that document by most Western Balkan countries, is a matter of maintaining moral integrity and that the opposing views of most regional countries towards Serbia stem solely from the fact that it aligned itself with Russia.

"Here, it's not so much about the relations between Serbia and the countries of the region, but about the clear difference between Serbia's stance and the stance of these countries. Albania, Montenegro, and North Macedonia have a pro-Western and pro-NATO orientation, while Serbia does not hide its ties with Russia. Serbia, of course, has the right to choose, but that is the dividing line between the two sides. I think Serbia had to understand what is currently happening, although it has the right to decide on its stance and the relationship it will have with both the West and Russia. The countries of the region have chosen the West, as Albania has also done, and I think that is a logical choice," Koka says.

In a conversation with Kosovo Online, Koka emphasizes that the adoption of the Srebrenica Resolution is important because it is "one of the lessons from history that, if not punished, can be repeated."

"I have a clear stance on the Srebrenica massacre, as well as on any other massacre, wherever it may have been committed and against any people. This is a lesson from history that every nation must learn from its mistakes. If crimes and massacres are not punished, they can be repeated. I advocate for the adoption of any resolution regarding Srebrenica, not just about this massacre, because that way we will have a clear conscience. A horrific massacre happened in Srebrenica that must not be repeated," Koka emphasized.

When asked if there is a way to mend the strained relations among Western Balkan countries, Koka says that this is only possible through economic integration.

"Economic interests are the most sincere interests among peoples. When it comes to money, material goods... people become pragmatic. We know what the relations between Serbia and Kosovo are like, but still, after the war period, due to previously established connections, Serbia remained one of the main exporters to Kosovo. This is the clearest example of what I am talking about. Economic relations have always surpassed problems and conflicts between states, except when those conflicts were out of control. That is why it's important for Serbia to maintain friendly relations with its neighbors, rather than scaring Montenegro, Albania, and Kosovo with military maneuvers on the border," Koka concluded.