Rama: Dialogue is the only way forward, the risk of further escalation of tensions in the north should not be underestimated

Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama, regarding the situation in the north of Kosovo, stated that the only way forward was dialogue and an agreement based on the Franco-German plan. He pointed out that if Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic requested an urgent session of the UN Security Council, he would consult with Albania's allies about the vote.

Rama pointed out that delaying the formation of the Community of Serbian Municipalities is a strategic mistake, as well as insisting that mayors who were elected in elections that were boycotted work from municipal buildings in four municipalities in the north of Kosovo, adding that he hopes that Vucic, when elections in those municipalities are organized again, clearly states that the participation of Serbs will be ensured.

"I believe that delaying the formation of the CSM is a strategic mistake and it is a strategic mistake to continue to delay the establishment of conditions for the citizens of Serbia to have their religious rights and for the church to function, as well as the insistence on staying in municipal buildings with the police. These are mistakes, I said it publicly and now I repeat it. On the other hand, I believe that the President of Serbia will clearly say that, whenever the conditions are created to hold re-elections, that the participation of Serbs will be ensured," said Rama.

He pointed out that the draft of the CSM statute that he sent to the French president and the German chancellor was a positive contribution that he made and which, in his opinion, is positive when it comes to its content.

"But it is not something that the parties should necessarily accept. That proposal was not considered by any party. I apologize and I am sorry that some do not want to understand that this was a contribution to Kosovo, but for them it has no value. I will not take it upon myself, the people of Kosovo speak for themselves," said Rama.

Rama, responding to a journalist's question about whether his concerns that the north of Kosovo could turn into Donbas have subsided, stated that no one should underestimate the risk of further escalation of tensions.

"Up to the point where we find ourselves in such a situation that armed movements can start and do something that we must not allow, because that would lead us to a situation that may be comparable to Donbas, to create a territory within the region and to there could be consequences of unfathomable proportions," warned Rama.

He stated that the situation in the north can be controlled today with clearly defined points for the purpose of de-escalation, which were determined by the international community, and which should be applied without the question: "What if...".

"A common point of view must be reached and the dialogue process must continue normally," added Rama.

He emphasized that, regarding the vote in the UN Security Council, if there is a session that Vucic announced that he would request due to the situation in the north of Kosovo, he will consult his allies, the great powers.

"We are a member, we are also a member of NATO, but we are also aware of our size. We are not a superpower, nor do we have the capacity to behave like that, but we are lucky to be in an alliance with great powers and we do everything in consultation with them," Rama said.

According to him, he wants to be familiar with that idea, because he does not know "what Vucic means when he says that the Security Council must deal with the north of Kosovo".

"Tensions should not upset our compass and should not be seen as the actions of one side, but as a matter that must be addressed and discussed with all allies and the EU," said Rama.