Montgomery: I would stop the Belgrade-Pristina dialogue until the CSM is formed

Former US Ambassador to Serbia William Montgomery stated in a Kosovo Online podcast that if he were an ambassador today, he would stop the dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina and insist on the formation of the Community of Serb Municipalities.

"I would stop the dialogue. I wouldn’t conduct any more talks but would insist on taking concrete steps to resolve the issue. Instead of dialogue, I would demand the implementation of what has already been agreed upon. As an ambassador, I wouldn’t be able to do that, but the President of the United States could," Montgomery emphasized.

He added that America provides tremendous support to Kosovo, whether through votes in the UN, financial assistance, or military presence, meaning it has many ways to exert pressure.

"We have many ways to apply pressure. In the short term, I would insist on the formation of the Community of Serb Municipalities and the implementation of all commitments from previous agreements. The dialogue should not continue until these matters are resolved. I would also advocate for the US, rather than the EU, to lead the dialogue because the European Union has demonstrated over the past 20 years that it is incapable of implementing any concrete measures," the American diplomat stated.

Asked to comment on the fact that the US and EU do not put enough pressure on Pristina to fulfill its obligations, Montgomery said that "the EU only uses words and empty promises."

"Their strategy boils down to saying: 'If you want to join the EU one day, you will do this.' But does anyone in Serbia today believe they will join the EU in the near future? The answer is no. So, that soft pressure no longer works as a tool. That is why steps need to be taken that are painful," Montgomery said.

He then clarified that this also includes halting all US aid to Kosovo.

"I would ask, do we need troops here, and what is our mission? I would turn to the UN. If we are constantly helping Kosovo, what is Kosovo’s status in the UN? I would raise such questions. And I would tell Kosovo Albanians that these are very important matters," the former US ambassador to Serbia concluded.

Watch the full podcast with William Montgomery on our portal this Saturday at noon.