10 April 2018 – Research Institute of Development and European Affairs (RIDEA) and Balkans Policy Research Group (BPRG) published the policy report “Scenarios for the Grand Finale between Kosovo and Serbia”. In this occasion, a high level conference was held involving all leaders of Kosovo, members of the parliament, branches of the government, civil society, experts, members of the academia, business associations, ambassadors and diplomats, and the media. Kosovo’s President Hashim Thaçi, Prime Minister Ramush Haradinaj, Vetvëvendosje leader Albin Kurti, LDK first vice president Lutfi Haziri, U.S. Ambassador Greg Delawie presented their views on the scenarios and the dialogue process.
RIDEA Executive Director Labinot Greiçevci presented the findings, the possible scenarios and the recommendations. The scenarios were grouped in three options: 1) Continuation of the status quo which involves circumstances where the dialogue halts or continuation of the same format of the dialogue; 2) Full normalisation of relations through bilateral agreement that would involve full recognition or at least a treaty with UN membership for Kosovo and 3) Border adjustment of exchange of territories, an idea that found no support in Kosovo.
The leaders of Kosovo, government and the opposition welcomed the study and recommendations and within the spirit of the domestic dialogue stated their willingness to remain engaged and enhance the consensus on the issue of the dialogue with Serbia and seek a final agreement with. All leaders and panelists shared the view that the status quo brings no benefits for the country.
The discussions involved reactions and questions from participants. This conference will mark the beginning of debate on this delicate and often unpopular topic of the dialogue with Serbia. Leaders offered their support for this dialogue and will to cooperate on the issue of the dialogue with Serbia.
The conference was organised with the support from the Norwegian Embassy in Kosovo, on the occasion of the publication of the study with the same topic.
For more click here to read Scenarios for the Grand Finale between Kosovo and Serbia.
