Kosovo-Serbia Agreement Not Possible in 2019
Kosovo and Serbian authorities continue expressing their willingness for dialogue between the two countries, as a process that would enable reaching a comprehensive agreement. However, political analysts in Kosovo and Serbia believe that the extreme positions of the sides and political scenes in the two countries strengthen dilemmas if a possible agreement can be reached within 2019.
Currently, many EU and US officials consider this year a suitable moment and a real chance for reaching a Kosovo-Serbia agreement. On the other hand, analysts have different views regarding the likelihood that it will happen.
Political expert Ramush Tahiri says that a prerequisite to reaching a comprehensive agreement between Kosovo and Serbia is dialogue, which has presently stagnated, due to the introduction by the Kosovo Government of 100 percent tariff on Serbian products.
He is very skeptical that the tariff will be suspended by the Kosovo Government. But according to him, in case that happens, the path for dialogue and the opportunity for an agreement between the sides will be opened.
Dusan Janjic, Director of Forum for Ethnic Relations in Belgrade, has a different opinion. He pointed out that currently there are three narrations about the possibilities of reaching a comprehensive agreement between Kosovo and Serbia.
Serbian authorities have refused to go back to the dialogue unless the tariff on their products is revoked.
Kosovo Government has persisted on its decision, despite the continuous calls by the EU and US for suspending the tariff.
The United States expects Kosovo and Serbia to reach a comprehensive agreement within 2019, which it would end with mutual recognition.
