Former US envoy for Kosovo and Serbia, Richard Grenell, now Trump’s special envoy for special missions, recently criticized Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti, causing confusion in Kosovo right before the upcoming election. Grenell’s comments came as Kurti expressed that Kosovo’s relationship with Washington was at its best level to date. In response, Grenell called Kurti’s statements “delusional,” highlighting low relations with the US and other international entities.
The US administration’s sudden involvement in Kosovo just before the parliamentary elections on Sunday has raised concerns among the Kosovo Albanian majority. The historical significance of US support for Kosovo since the conflict with Serbia in the late 1990s makes a strained relationship with the US a political loss for leaders like Kurti, especially amidst growing ethnic tensions with Serbia and economic challenges.
On the other hand, in the Serb part of Mitrovica, there is optimism about improved relations with the Trump administration. Despite failed attempts to implement agreements between Belgrade and Pristina regarding the normalisation of relations, Serb expectations are high for a positive shift under the new US administration.
The situation has caused political disarray in Pristina but inspired hope in Mitrovica for a fresh approach to resolving issues between Serbia and Kosovo. As the US plays a crucial role in the peacekeeping mission in Kosovo, all eyes are on the outcome of the upcoming elections and the potential impact on relations with the US and the broader international community.
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