Vuletic: Talks in Brussels are like Groundhog Day, Kurti is not interested in negotiations

Sociologist Vladimir Vuletic assesses that yesterday's round of dialogue in Brussels was an attempt by Pristina to feign talks, given that Kosovo's Prime Minister Albin Kurti is fundamentally not interested in any negotiations until Belgrade recognizes Kosovo.

As he added, the talks in Brussels are like Groundhog Day.

"When it comes to these talks, it is like Groundhog Day. The same thing repeats every time, there is no progress, so you actually wonder if progress is desired at all. It is clear that Pristina and Belgrade are in different positions and that their ultimate interests are mutually opposed. However, those moderating the talks, if they are truly interested in achieving some progress, should do something. Now, my impression is that neither side has great enthusiasm to make a decisive step towards what is called normalization, under which, obviously, everyone understands different things," Vuletic emphasized.

He adds that progress on all issues is very slow, which, he points out, affects the Serbs in Kosovo the most.

"For us and for the lives of people in Kosovo, the most difficult thing is that economic ties have been severed. I mean the flow of goods and money, the flow of people remains, but it is also slowed down because there are many restrictions related to official visits. People are no longer sure if they will be seen as a potential threat when crossing the border... We see that even though these talks are taking place, the situation is getting worse," our interlocutor emphasizes.

When asked if Albin Kurti's three new conditions for continuing the dialogue can be connected with yesterday's round, Vuletic reminds that Kurti refused to meet with Vucic even though he went to Brussels.

"These meetings between high officials make sense only if something is prepared and agreed upon in advance. But we saw, and we knew, that even if they had met, it would have been just to have coffee because, during the preparatory period, Kurti went to a football match. It was more important for him to watch Albania play than to meet with Lajcak and discuss the dialogue. When it comes to conditions, Kurti does everything to ensure that nothing is done to advance the dialogue. Neither side has a genuine desire to accomplish anything. This is dangerous because it leaves the conflict and the wound open, creating a security problem. One must wonder if anyone is genuinely interested in keeping security as an open issue. That worries me," Vuletic said.

Regarding the conditions, Vuletic emphasizes that they all align with Kurti's idea since he came to power – to avoid any negotiations or talks.

"Everything is an attempt to feign talks because he is fundamentally not interested in any negotiations before Belgrade recognizes Kosovo. Due to pressure on him, he agreed to talk, but in such a way that the conversation leads nowhere, making it a vicious cycle. It has been clear from the beginning that he is not interested in negotiations. Talks can occur after Belgrade recognizes Pristina so that they can discuss various matters as two mutually recognized states, but that is not the path to solving this issue," Vuletic concluded.