Joseph for RFE: Key to Stabilizing Bosnia and Resolving Kosovo Issue in Vucic’s Hands

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As the strongest political leader in the region Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic has the opportunity to procure a solution whereby the Serbs would maintain dignity and a lasting connection with Kosovo if he clearly and unambiguously expresses his commitment to the West, Edward Joseph, professor at the John Hopkins University, has said.

In an interview with Radio Free Europe (RFE) Joseph also said that Vucic “has a chance to make such an historic and strategic move.”

In this case, according to Joseph, he would be remembered in Serbian history as a determined leader. Vucic is in position to procure a solution for the Serbs whereby they would maintain dignity and a lasting connection with Kosovo, and this, at the same time, would strengthen Bosnia and Herzegovina. He can do that if he wants to. If he, however, wants to continue to play the card of both the West and Russia, Serbia would continue to suffer for this policy of futile ambiguity,” he added.

Joseph also said that the demarcation between Serbia and Kosovo is not an adequate solution and could also be dangerous for Bosnia and Herzegovina. “Realization of the land swap scenario in Kosovo would serve as a green light to follow a similar course in the division of Bosnia,” he said.

The U.S. professor also pointed out that efforts should be made “to affirm the presence of Serbs in Kosovo and their ties to it, instead of being focused on compensation for the loss of something that cannot be compensated for.”

He added that elections in Kosovo will strengthen the dialogue, as they will also be a kind of a referendum on certain options, such as, for example, the territory exchange.

“Serbia is in a different situation because the position of President Aleksandar Vucic is very strong. He is faced with an opposition much weaker than Slobodan Milosevic when he was at the height of his power. He controls the government, wields enormous influence over the media, enjoys Russia’s support. Therefore, he has a very strong position that enables him to reach an agreement with Kosovo,” Joseph said.