Spahiu: Formation of the CSM does not depend on the new government in Pristina but on Belgrade

University professor Nexhmedin Spahiu stated that the formation of the Community of Serb Municipalities has never depended on the decision of the authorities in Pristina but rather on whether Belgrade will fulfill its part of the obligations.

"It does not depend on the new government, it depends more on Belgrade. Prime Minister Kurti promised the international community, in his letter regarding Kosovo’s membership in the Council of Europe, that he would establish the Community of Serb-Majority Municipalities, but that it would depend on when Belgrade begins implementing its obligations. This means that the flag of the Community of Serb-Majority Municipalities can fly in Kosovo only when the Kosovo flag flies in Belgrade, at a permanent diplomatic mission, just as the Serbian flag should fly at a permanent diplomatic mission in Pristina. That is the key factor," Spahiu told Kosovo Online.

For this reason, he emphasizes, the CSM will be established by any government and any Kosovo prime minister.

"When Serbia decides to take that step, it will be done regardless of who forms the government or who is prime minister, because it is also in Kosovo’s national interest," Spahiu stressed.

He is convinced that if Belgrade fulfills its part of the agreement, Albin Kurti will do the same – 100 percent.

When asked what would happen if the opposition formed the new government, he responded:

"Maybe they would do it on 'credit,' asking the Americans and Europeans to then pressure Belgrade to fulfill its part of the deal. And that is the key difference. That is why it is in Belgrade’s interest for the opposition to be in power rather than Albin Kurti, who is adamant that there will be no Community flag without a Kosovo flag in Belgrade. That is the fundamental difference between them. If Belgrade is ready, the Community can be formed at any moment," Spahiu concluded.