American professor: The US must correct diplomatic mistakes in Kosovo and Bosnia

The American professor Daniel Serwer has analyzed the possible positions of the US towards the Balkans after the US presidential elections, stressing that Kamala Harris' views on the region remain unknown.

He predicts that neither Harris nor Trump will talk about the Balkans until after the November elections, and that it will be some time before the new administration focuses on the region.

According to  Serwer , Harris has spent a career prosecuting criminals and defending equal rights, which may suggest a tough stance on corruption and ethno-nationalism.

While Trump, described by Serwer as a white supremacist and corrupt, tried to divide Kosovo while he was in the White House and may try to do so again if he is re-elected.

He also points out that Serbia has influence over Trump through economic relations and potential investments that Jared Kushner has sought in Serbia.

Harris' views on the Balkans are unknown . But she has spent a career prosecuting criminals and championing equal rights. This probably says something about her attitude towards corruption and ethno-nationalism. Trump is a corrupt white supremacist who tried to divide Kosovo while in the White House. If elected, he will no doubt empower Grenell or someone like him to try again with the plan in Kosovo and Bosnia. Serbia has influence over Trump. Jared Kushner has sought investment opportunities there ," Serwer wrote.

In the current period, Serwer proposes several steps to correct the mistakes of the Biden administration, which have led to diplomatic failures in the Balkans. He suggests cooperation with the Prime Minister of Kosovo Albin Kurti to strengthen the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the country.

"Consult with the Prime Minister of Kosovo, Albin Kurti, for a joint plan to define beyond any doubt the sovereignty and territorial integrity of his country. This should include the cessation of intimidation by Belgrade against Serbs who join Kosovo's security institutions and wider international recognition".

Among other things, he recommends support for an Association of Municipalities with a Serbian majority in Kosovo, but with conditions and in accordance with the constitution of Kosovo.

"The municipalities themselves must form this Association in accordance with the Constitution of Kosovo. The conditions must include the fulfillment by Belgrade of its obligations under the agreement in which Pristina agreed to the Association".

He emphasizes the need for transparency and accountability from Serbia for recent incidents, including the kidnapping of Kosovo policemen and attacks on KFOR.

Serwer also criticizes the involvement of the High Representative in Bosnia who challenged the decision of the European Court of Human Rights and suggests that the US bring criminal charges against Serb and Croat leaders who promote ethnic division in Bosnia.

He warns that Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic is committed to the idea of ​​a "Serbian world" and has achieved control over Montenegro, while in Bosnia and Kosovo he can only succeed through a de facto partition.

Serwer concludes with a call for the US and the EU to act in harmony to counter the growing influence of Russia and China in Serbia, stressing that a coddling approach has failed.