Kurti: Strategic Dialogue with the U.S. suspended over rule of law in the north, no compromise on this issue

Kosovo’s caretaker Prime Minister Albin Kurti stated that the planning of the strategic dialogue between the U.S. and Kosovo has been suspended due to what he described as the beginning of the rule of law in the north.

According to Kurti, despite the suspension of the dialogue, he cannot compromise on the rule of law in northern Kosovo.

“First of all, the strategic dialogue itself has not been suspended, but the planning of the strategic dialogue has been suspended, because of the beginning of the rule of law in northern Kosovo, which turned out to be a move against illegal Serbian structures, and on this point there can be no compromise. I cannot leave this problem to the next generation. I believe that my generation should bring this to an end,” he noted, as reported by Reporteri.

He emphasized that Kosovo’s relationship with the United States is three-dimensional, meaning defense, development, and diplomacy.

“Frankly, the pillar of defense stands stronger than the others… In diplomacy, we face some obstacles, because in my view, the U.S. considers it very important to lift Serbia out of the eastern hemisphere, since Serbia is closely tied to Moscow. And we, being unwavering in rule of law, democracy, state sovereignty, and territorial integrity—some politicians and diplomats in the U.S. assess that we are not helping the U.S. in separating Serbia from the Russian Federation. But honestly, that should not be a problem. Forgive me for my frankness. That’s how it is,” Kurti said.

He added that he represents the interests of Kosovo.

“If you are a little softer toward Belgrade, it has never proven useful, because the better you treat them, the worse they become. Autocrats and dictators, if you show them a bit of generosity, think you are afraid of them,” Kurti stated from the United States.