Rapajic: Existing sanctions against Kosovo have not yielded results

Aleksandar Rapajic, Program Director of the ACDC organization in North Mitrovica, tells Kosovo Online that there has been talk for a while about additional punitive measures against Pristina, but, in his opinion, even the current sanctions – imposed more than six months ago – have not produced any results.

Rapajic emphasizes that the existing punitive measures are very mild.

"There was talk that Kosovo officials would not be allowed to participate in events organized by the EU, that they would not be invited to meetings, but as far as we can see, that is not happening. Often in conversations with international representatives, they mention that they want to impose sanctions, but in a way that will not harm Kosovo citizens, but will only be directed at certain individuals. Unfortunately, I believe that such sanctions cannot produce results because those individuals in power are willing to endure any sanctions to achieve their goals," our interlocutor states.

When asked what kind of sanctions could be effective, Rapajic reminds that the greatest support to the Kosovo government comes from the United States.

"There is a huge so-called Millennium Fund in Kosovo that serves to support and build institutions, for economic transition. That fund is still functioning. If America were to threaten even slightly to cut off that fund, I think it would have a very significant effect on the government in Pristina," Rapajic concludes.