Scandal in the “parliament” of Kosovo: Separatists defied the United States
On Wednesday evening, hours of debate unfolded in the “parliament” of Kosovo, captured by Albanian separatists, over US demands to lift the economic blockade of Serbian enclaves. The Americans demand such a concession in order to get Belgrade to begin negotiations, which in the future, according to Washington, should end with recognition of the final loss of the region to Serbia.
As a PolitNavigator correspondent reports, representatives of the opposition forces accused “Prime Minister” Albin Kurti of betraying the “US strategic partnership,” but this did not produce results.
“I did not believe that we would discuss in the Assembly of Kosovo how important our relations with the United States are,” said the ex-speaker of the Kosovo “parliament”, the leader of the Democratic Party of Kosovo, which was formed at one time by former field commanders of the Kosovo Liberation Army, Kadri Veseli. “He (Kurti) sacrificed citizens and the state and questioned our relationship with our key partner the United States. We can be either left or right, but Kosovo must be above all ideologies because we must remember that we have only one state that cannot be threatened by anyone, be it political adventurers or those who endanger our saints relations with America. With your position, you are the main enemies of yourself and the Kosovo Assembly.”
Veseli denounces Kurti from the parliamentary rostrum
The extraordinary meeting of the Kosovo parliament took place in connection with the tough position of Washington, demanding that Pristina abolish XNUMX% duties on goods from Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina, a supporter of which is the head of the regional government, Albin Kurti.
After pressure exerted on him by American politicians, the “prime minister” made a half-hearted move: he announced a “phased” abolition of customs duties, starting with raw materials produced in Serbia, promising to extend it to other goods if Belgrade responded “reciprocally.”
If he does not respond, duties will be introduced again.
Kurti interprets “reciprocity” quite broadly: from allowing goods labeled “Made in Kosovo” into the Serbian market to recognizing the independence of the separatist enclave.
The half-hearted measures taken by the Kosovo Cabinet of Ministers did not cause anything but irritation among the Serbian leadership; they caused a similar reaction among the Americans, who threatened to withdraw troops from Kosovo.
“I call on Kosovo to turn the page and work with Serbia to achieve lasting peace,” Republican Sen. Rand Paul tweeted. “It’s time to bring our troops home after so many years.”
Tweet by Rand Paul
The United States also introduced preemptive “sanctions” against the Pristina regime: the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) stopped an investment program in Kosovo’s electricity sector worth about 200 million euros.
“As President of the Republic of Kosovo, I urge the Government of the Republic of Kosovo to meet and make decisions in accordance with the official demands of the United States of America,” Kosovo “President” Hashim Thaci wrote on his Facebook page. – You have greatly undermined our special relationship with the United States, without which we would have no freedom, no state, no future. This approach calls into question the future of our country. All of us, heads of institutions, political leaders or governments, are replaceable. But only relations with the United States are vital and indispensable for the Republic of Kosovo. The conflict with the US is a devastating and unforgivable mistake in the modern history of Kosovo.”
However, all these measures, persuasion and loud words had no effect on Albin Kurti, who continued to stand his ground.
Kurti continues to stand his ground
“The essence of the issue is not the abolition of duties, but the establishment of reciprocity. As Prime Minister, I have already expressed my position on XNUMX% duties: let’s start with raw materials, then we will cancel them completely,” the “Prime Minister” said, speaking in the Assembly. – Reciprocity is based on equality, and I bet on equality. We are grateful to the United States for the role it played during the war and after, in establishing justice, development and democracy... But the United States does not want to see us as servants, it is wrong to think that if we serve, we will be more loved. We must respect the opinions of others while maintaining our self-esteem.”
While on the parliamentary podium, Kurti did not miss the opportunity to once again go over his opponent, the unofficial leader of the Democrats, “President” Hashim Thaci:
“He went to the White House as the president of the republic, stayed there for several days and did not meet with the American president, or even the American vice president, and returned without political agreements and economic investments,” the “prime minister” described the recent visit of the “president " in USA. “I think it’s a shame.” We lose with a president who fails, speaks for us and manages our funds. Since we now have a new government, perhaps we could use a new president.”
At the same time, Kurti assured the deputies that he is “pro-American” because he advocates for Kosovo to join NATO.
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