Political antagonism between the United States and the European Union could have long-term consequences for Pristina and Belgrade, according to the former US Ambassador to Serbia, Michael Kirby.

In an interview to the Voice of America over tensions in the north of Kosovo, Kirby said he is not surprised by the crisis in the northern municipalities. He said that due to their engagement in the conflict between Ukraine and Russia, the United States and the European Union have no “institutional patience” to endlessly deal with insincere maneuvers from Pristina and Belgrade.

Michael Kirby’s interview to the Voice of America

Question: How do you comment on the crisis in the north of Kosovo?

Michael Kirby: I am sorry to say that I am not surprised by the crisis. When the Serbian parties decided to boycott the last elections, it was clear that some people would vote. Indeed, less than 4% of the electorate voted. The few people who voted gave a victory to Albanian politicians. This was the danger of the Serbs boycotting the elections. Albanian parties received the majority of votes, but did not receive even close to the support of the majority of the people. Kurti decided to act as if he had an advantage in this process.

Question: What do you see as the main reason for this?

Michael Kirby: It looks like Kurti is behind the stirring up of tensions. He seems uninterested in making any concessions either to the Serbian minority within Kosovo or to Vučić’s government in Belgrade. Kurti’s hard line has been welcomed by his supporters; the confrontation with Belgrade encourages support in Kosovo.

But Vučić is not unhappy when he sees Kurti’s actions. The opposition of the government in Pristina always encourages Vučić’s supporters inside Serbia. He needs this help right now. Following the back-to-back mass killings in Serbia, Vučić is under intense domestic pressure, as tens of thousands of citizens across the country have taken to the streets demanding action against the gangs and thugs that have plagued Serbia for years.

Many of these thugs, in addition to their criminal activity, have given Vučić support to intimidate his enemies. Demonstrators have also demanded an end to the glorification of criminals on Serbian private television, “TV Pink” and other media outlets controlled by Vučić. Therefore, Kurti’s actions have offered Vučić a golden opportunity to distract people from his internal troubles by relying on the Serbs in Kosovo and the disloyal Albanians in northern Kosovo and Pristina.

As you well know, the well-being of the Serb population in the north of Kosovo is not a major factor in the thinking of either Kurti or Vučić.

Question: How do you comment on the attitude of the Government of Kosovo and the fact that two mayors from Kurti’s party did not participate in the meeting with the US Ambassador?

Michael Kirby: Kurti is under great pressure to reach an agreement with Belgrade. I believe he wants to show Washington and Brussel that he enjoys strong domestic support for not changing his positions. The boycott of mayors should be seen in this light.

Question: How will these tensions affect the dialogue process between Kosovo and Serbia?

Michael Kirby: It will slow down the dialogue. Resolving the disputes that are causing tensions between Kosovo and Serbia would enable Serbia to move forward in its goal of EU membership. Serbia and Kosovo must make internal changes, which are necessary for the process of their membership in the European Union. The reforms would create the conditions for economic growth and prosperity for citizens of both countries.

The establishment of an Association of Serb Municipalities is now a key issue in Serbia’s EU membership process. By shifting the focus from the Association to the mayors of the municipalities, Kurti hopes to postpone the day when he has to deal with this issue. It may be successful in the short term. But the simultaneous antagonism of the European Union and the United States could have long-term consequences. Kosovo needs the development assistance offered by the United States and Europe. Considering what is happening in Ukraine, neither the European Union nor the United States have the institutional patience to endlessly deal with the disingenuous maneuvers of Pristina and Belgrade. We have all witnessed the US debt ceiling crisis. Support for giving more and more money to Kosovo may fade if Kurti overdoes his actions. His people (the people of Kosovo) need our help.

Question: In your opinion, what should be the solution to this problem?

Michael Kirby: Both Serbia and Kosovo should move forward with the establishment of the association. I am sure that the European Union has enough examples of associations of a similar nature for minorities within a member state, which could be used to establish the Association of Serb-majority municipalities. A legal means must also be found to have mayors in municipalities with a Serb majority, who enjoy the support of a large segment of the local population.