Vujinovic: Expected messages at the UN Security Council Session on UNMIK’s work

Security studies researcher Nikola Vujinovic stated that the messages from the representatives of major powers at the UN Security Council session on Kosovo and the work of UNMIK were expected, as were the speeches by Serbia’s representative Marko Djuric and Kosovo’s representative Donika Gervalla, noting, however, that there were “symptomatic black-and-white differences.”

Speaking to Kosovo Online, Vujinovic assessed that the countries supporting Kosovo’s independence continued to do so during the session, while those supporting Serbia emphasized the flaws of that independence.

“If we look at previous sessions, it’s the same. Those advocating for Kosovo’s independence continue to support it, with varying intensity, giving suggestions to Kosovo on how to strengthen the rule of law and institutions, for example, the French ambassador mentioned forming the CSM. On the other hand, from the US, we heard the expected message that UNMIK should be terminated. That is in line with what the Trump administration wanted, to reduce the UN’s influence and make it, as they say, more efficient. China, Russia, and other countries supporting Serbia’s territorial integrity said what was also expected, emphasizing violence against the Serbian community and the shortcomings of Kosovo’s independence,” Vujinovic said.

Regarding the speeches of Marko Djuric and Donika Gervalla, Vujinovic highlighted the “black-and-white” contrast – Gervalla presented Kosovo as a democracy that respects the rule of law, while Djuric outlined the main problems faced by Serbs in Kosovo.

“We can see that the statements from the Serbian delegation and the so-called Kosovo delegation were essentially opposite, showing a clear black-and-white difference. For Kosovo’s diplomacy, everything is white, they claim to uphold the rule of law and to be a liberal democracy in the Western Balkans, while Serbia’s representatives are portrayed as aggressors or ‘little Russians’ in the Balkans. On the other hand, in my opinion, Minister Djuric very precisely pointed out the main issues troubling the Serbian community, from attacks on youth and women to the destruction of hundreds of institutions vital for everyday life,” Vujinovic added.

When asked whether France, which at the session emphasized the need to establish the CSM, would continue to insist on that outside the UN, Vujinovic said this was merely a diplomatic phrase.

“France is currently going through significant internal political turmoil, and we might even see Macron step down before the end of his term, which could lead to early presidential elections in the Fifth Republic. That could bring forces more favorable to Serbia and its territorial integrity. I think the ambassador’s statement was just diplomatic phrasing meant to sound distinct from others. I am convinced that the Kosovo side will never allow the CSM to have any real substance. Even if they eventually agree to form it, they will try to turn it into an empty shell. Since I’m skeptical that they will ever do so, I believe the French ambassador’s remarks were merely a contribution to the debate,” Vujinovic concluded.