Mitic: It is evident there are disagreements between Kurti and Rama, but both promote the Greater Albania narrative

Aleksandar Mitic, a research associate at the Institute for International Politics and Economics, says that it is evident that there are disagreements between the Prime Ministers of Kosovo and Albania, Albin Kurti and Edi Rama, and it is not the first time they have come to light.

Mitic assessed for Kosovo Online that the cancellation of the joint session between the governments of Albania and Kosovo is just another indication of the strained relationship between Kurti and Rama. He also reminded that the Kosovo Prime Minister carried out new arrests in northern Kosovo following Rama's criticism of the situation that had unfolded.

"The cancellation of the session comes at a time when Albin Kurti, through the arrest of Serbs, further radicalizes the situation in northern Kosovo and Metohija, despite Edi Rama's criticism of the deployment of Albanian police officers a few days ago and his warning about the consequences for cooperation with 'Albanian allies'," Mitic says.

Mitic points out that in recent days, there have also been sharp criticisms in Pristina following Rama's statement that he sent a draft agreement on the Community of Serb Municipalities to Paris and Berlin without consulting Kurti.

"Furthermore, it should not be forgotten that Rama is closer to Washington than Kurti, who has the support of Germany, and the Americans are keen to show that they have a say in security matters in the Balkans, especially in Kosovo and Metohija. Therefore, there are disagreements between Rama and Kurti, and this is not the first time they have come to light. However, the situation in northern Kosovo and Metohija and the international context are even more delicate than before, which is likely why Rama, as the more experienced partner, had to react," Mitic emphasizes.

According to Mitic, from a strategic perspective, very little is changing.

"Because Rama, like Kurti, is not only fighting for 'independent Kosovo' but also promoting the Greater Albania narrative. They have previously negotiated and taken steps towards the creation of a 'Greater Albania' during numerous meetings and joint sessions. The West has silently observed all of this, despite the agreements between Tirana and Pristina creating institutional frameworks for cooperation aimed at integrating Albania and 'independent Kosovo'. Nevertheless, Belgrade extended a hand to Tirana in the context of the Open Balkan initiative, and Rama and President Aleksandar Vucic have correct relations," Mitic says.

Mitic adds that because of this, Rama could play a role as a "pressure factor on Pristina" in operational-level tension reduction.

"However, as a prominent advocate for 'completing Kosovo's independence,' he cannot be objective or an acceptable mediator in resolving issues such as the formation of the Community of Serb Municipalities," Mitic emphasizes.