Muja: I do not expect substantive talks in the dialogue this year

Professor of Political Science in Pristina Basri Muja, despite the messages sent to Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti after the formation of the government and calls for renewed momentum in the dialogue, does not expect substantive talks between representatives of Kosovo and Serbia this year.

For Muja, the congratulations sent to Kurti after the formation of the government were more than a mere symbolic gesture, but he nevertheless does not believe that pressure will follow to bring about a meeting at the highest level.

As he explained, the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, wanted to signal to Kurti to be ready for a summit meeting.

“Congratulations after a victory are more than symbolic. It is certain that Ms. Kallas wanted to tell Mr. Kurti that she expects a high-level meeting to take place soon and that Mr. Kurti should be prepared for it. In this case, I am referring to meetings with the President of Serbia. I do not believe there will be pressure regarding such a meeting and, in all likelihood, there will be parliamentary and presidential elections in Serbia this year. I think that during an election campaign, pressure does not produce significant results, and I do not believe that there will be substantive talks between representatives of Kosovo and Serbia this year”, Muja assessed for Kosovo Online.

Muja points out that Kosovo now has a legitimate government and that, if a presidential election takes place, this would contribute to political stability in the coming period.

“It seems to me that the problem lies with Serbia, because it is facing major internal challenges – political ones, given that for more than a year and a half there have been mass protests by students and citizens. The legitimacy of President Vucic has been seriously undermined and I expect elections to be held this year. In election years it is difficult to exert pressure on political structures because they are not cooperative due to fear of voter reaction. Therefore, I do not expect significant pressure, precisely because of the political situation in Serbia”, Muja concluded.