Rapajic: Kurti cautious about Board of Peace because Britain and Germany, sponsors of Kosovo Government, are not involved

Aleksandar Rapajic, program director of the NGO Center for the Promotion of Democratic Culture from North Mitrovica, says that by accepting the invitation to participate in the Board of Peace, Kosovo is trying to improve its relations with the United States. He sees Prime Minister Albin Kurti’s caution on this matter as an attempt to avoid angering European partners, who are generally against the Board of Peace.

“Kosovo’s relations with the United States have been quite strained in recent years, especially due to certain instances when Albin Kurti’s government spoke against the Constitutional Court and judicial institutions in general, which greatly upset the Americans. Participation in the Board of Peace is an excellent opportunity for Kosovo to improve its relations with the United States,” Rapajic told Kosovo Online.

He adds that he does not believe that Albin Kurti and Vjosa Osmani are acting in different ways, as over the years they have generally coordinated their actions.

“I think they are trying not to upset the Europeans, who are generally against the Board of Peace. That is why Kurti remains silent about the Board while Vjosa Osmani accepts it. It is a kind of game where they try to stay on good terms with everyone and avoid angering anyone. I do not think Vjosa Osmani and Kurti are separating or have disagreements. European partners, especially Britain and Germany, are not in favor of this Board of Peace, and since they have been the main sponsors and supporters of the Kosovo Government in recent years, this is why Kurti is cautious about the Board of Peace,” Rapajic says.

Speaking generally about the Board, whose creation was initiated by US President Donald Trump, he notes that it is still not defined what its exact functions will be, although there are indications that it is an attempt to create a counterpart to the United Nations and to replace some of the roles the UN previously carried out.

Regarding the upcoming election of the President of Kosovo, which must be held by March 4 to avoid new elections, Rapajic says he does not believe Vjosa Osmani will be re-elected, but also notes that anything can happen in Kosovo.

“Anything is possible. This will be our main answer to whether Vjosa Osmani and Kurti are on the same path,” he emphasizes.