Oxford Professor Anthony Heath presented at “Vox populi on the grand finale between Kosovo and Serbia” organized by Pristina-based RIDEA in Pristina a survey on three main issues between Kosovo and Serbia.
He said there is uncertainty among Albanian and Serbian population on what should the final agreement between Kosovo and Serbia be.
He presented three scenarios of the survey:
- Continuance of the status-quos.
- Greater power of the Association with Serb-majority municipalities
- Correction of borders between Kosovo and Serbia
According to him the status quo was not supported by neither of the communities and both of them are dissatisfied with current arrangements.
He said he found distinctions on perspectives of the two communities.
“Albanian community is concerned about reaching European integration and recognition by Serbia, while Serb respondents have the need to resolve internal problems that they face.
“86 percent of Albanian community do not agree with extended power for the Association of the Serb-majority Municipalities. There is a division among Serb community as well when increase of power of the Association is concerned. 1/3 agree with this scenario and as many do not. So, they do not share the same opinion.”
“As far as the correction of the borders between the two countries is concerned, we found that majority of the Albanian community is against change of the borders,” he said.
“There are some distinctions when this matter is concerned. 93 percent of the Albanians said Kosovo is independent and should be recognized as such, without border corrections and that there is no need to make such concessions.”
He also mentioned that Albanian community was asked if they agree with the EU and U.S. policies. “We have surprising results. We notice that there is a more support of the U.S. policy than for the EU one among Albanians,” he said.