Moore: The real problem blocking dialogue is in Pristina

Former US State Department official and senior fellow at the Atlantic Council, Jonathan Moore, told A2 CNN television that the only current obstacle to progress in the dialogue with Serbia lies in Kosovo. He believes that US President Donald Trump does not want to see new conflicts in the world, and that therefore his statements about Kosovo and Serbia are connected to America's commitment to maintaining global stability, including in the Western Balkans.

According to Moore, the real problem blocking the dialogue process lies in Pristina:

“The only obstacle to progress at this moment is in Kosovo. Serbia has fulfilled many expectations related to the dialogue, though perhaps not all. The absence of the Community of Serb Municipalities, which Kosovo agreed to in 2013, remains an open issue,” Moore said.

He also added that the lack of political stability in Pristina is hindering progress.

“Kosovo doesn’t have a new parliament, no assembly president, and the opposition is not united. Most likely, there will be new elections in October, but until then, I don’t see a serious project for dialogue,” he explained.

Moore believes that the United States will not allow a new conflict to break out in the region, commenting on the latest statement by US President Donald Trump regarding relations between Kosovo and Serbia.

“President Trump made it clear that he does not want to see more conflicts in the world. If any conflict arises, be assured that the United States will find a way to get involved and prevent it. The US is not interested in conflicts that continue indefinitely without any clear conclusion or purpose. This is a call to action based on what has been done in the past and the United States’ ability to bring stability to the Balkans... I do not foresee any military moves or maneuvers by Serbia. Serbia is aware of NATO’s role in Kosovo,” Moore stated.

Speaking about developments in Kosovo, he emphasized that support for the “American vision” in Pristina has been lacking in recent years.

“This is an issue on many people’s minds. But the format in which these negotiations could take place is a distant possibility – regardless of their content – because we don’t have a government in Pristina capable of negotiating,” he added.

President Trump claimed that during his first term, he prevented the outbreak of armed conflict between Kosovo and Serbia.

Kosovo and Serbia reached an agreement on economic normalization in September 2020 at the White House, in the presence of President Trump. However, its implementation has remained partial, with many obligations still unfulfilled.