I would say Germany drew the red line how far it would go in resolving the relations between Serbia and Kosovo, while the USA has not, US Senator and Chair of the Committee for Homeland Security, Ron Johnson said in an interview for Radio Free Europe (RFE).
He added, the US stance is consistent when it comes to the possible change of borders between Kosovo and Serbia, and it is that the solution must come from the sides in dispute. Senator Johnson also spoke about Moscow’s influence in the Balkans, whether USA President Donald Trump would visit the region, but foremost urged both Kosovo and Serbia to look at current example of resolving decades long dispute between Greece and Macedonia.
RFE: Since your last visit to Serbia in February, something that no one has expected happened, a discussion on possible changes of borders between Serbia and Kosovo opened. That is why I must ask you this question – is it acceptable for USA officials?
Senator Johnson: I think our stance is rather consistent, and it is that the solution must come from the parties in dispute, although it is not easy to reach that solution. The solution must come from the leadership and peoples of Serbia and Kosovo. US is here in order to support and encourage resolution of a dispute. We want to give to the leadership on both sides room to be flexible and creative, and to find a solution for this extremely difficult issue.
RFE: What is your impression, are Serbian and Kosovo officials serious when they say division could be a solution to the decades long issue?
Senator Johnson: I think they are serious when it comes to finding a solution. I underline, we won’t be imposing anything, the solution must come out of these talks. I understand the concerns of the people and that concerns are legitimate because of fear of a domino effect, but we would leave the solution to the leadership of Serbia and Kosovo and then we would consider and express our stance on it and potential concerns on the same.
RFE: Let’s look at different stances, some states, Germany foremost, are strongly against any change of borders between Kosovo and Serbia? What is a concrete difference between US and German stances?
Senator Johnson: I would say they drew a red line, while we have not. However, we very much support the dialogue, led by the EU in bringing the two sides closer. We welcome that dialogue, but we do not draw any lines.
RFE: I am certain you saw that Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic spent last weekend in Kosovo. During the rally in Mitrovica North, he mentioned Slobodan Milosevic as, I quote, “a great Serbian leader.” This has triggered many negative comments across the region over the last few days. What do you think about that? About that conclusion, description of Slobodan Milosevic?
Senator Johnson: I am glad President Vucic could visit Kosovo and express his stances. I did not have an opportunity to read his entire speech I would not like to give any comment before I get familiar with the context and his speech completely.
RFE: Did such conclusion surprise you?
Senator Johnson: I would not describe Milosevic like that.
RFE: How would you describe him?
Senator Johnson: I would not describe him as a great leader.
RFE: A discussion is ongoing these days about the new course of the USA towards Serbia. Serbian Prime Minister Ana Brnabic after visiting Washington in July this year, said President Trump’s administration was more ready to listen to the Serbian position in relation to Kosovo than before. Is Kosovo issue open in the USA?
Senator Johnson: Prime Minister Brnabic was in Washington to attend the ceremony of one-century since the USA President Woodrow Wilson raised the Serbian flag above the White House, recognizing the huge sacrifice Serbia and her people gave during the WWI. I believe the Prime Minister recognized, taking into consideration the context, the event and the presence of a high number of congressmen, including myself, a deep level of support for the Serbian people in their efforts to stabilize the situation in their country, here in the Balkans, to achieve prosperity and better opportunities. We want to see success of this nation.
RFE: Freedom House report notes that Serbia, comparing to the states in the region, declined in terms of democracy in 2017 more than other countries in the region. Do you agree with that? The report says, inter alia, that President Aleksandar Vucic is one of the politicians being responsible for it.
Senator Johnson: I have not read that report. As much as I understand, President Vucic is committed to Serbia’s membership in the EU, and of course if you wish to become an EU member, then you must show it regarding democratic institutions, rule of law, independent judiciary, freedom of the media. If this is the intention of the President Vucic, obviously he would have to harmonize with the EU requirements. And I think this is very good for Serbia.
RFE: Let’s speak about Moscow’s influence in this region. Where do you recognize, to put it that way, a negative part of the Russian influence in this region – Macedonia, Serbia, Montenegro, Kosovo and Bosnia and Herzegovina?
Senator Johnson: Before everything, it is regrettable, because I would truly want that Russia accepts a hand the West extended to it, to fully integrate its economy with the west, to stop aggression, such as invasion on Georgia, illegal occupation of Crimea, invasion on Ukraine, interference in the Baltics, across the region, even in our own state. Unfortunately, they have on-line influence. I wish Russia to be a friendly rival, but unfortunately it is an opponent.
In Eastern Europe they really offer nothing in the context of economic prosperity. They destabilize the situation. And it is regrettable, I repeat. I hope that Vladimir Putin would change the opinion and realize the way of cooperation is the best for Russia. Not destabilization, but cooperation with the states such as Serbia and USA, European great powers, in order to help establish peace and stability in Europe and the world.
RFE: Do you agree with experts who believe Russia sees the Balkans as a field to test the extent of its capabilities?
Senator Johnson: It could be what they are doing. I personally believe their intent is destabilization. They offer nothing more than that.
RFE: In August 2017, you suggested to the President Vucic to resist the Russian request to grant diplomatic immunity to the staff members of the Serbian-Russian Humanitarian Centre in Nis. Up to date, it did not happen. Do you believe, that based on that, one can conclude the President Vucic accepted your suggestions?
Senator Johnson: No, I believe President Vucic made his own decision. I only offered my advice. We, of course, appreciate the fact that he did not grant diplomatic immunity to that humanitarian centre, under quotation marks.
RFE: What is your biggest concern with regard to the Centre in Nis?
Senator Johnson: It is not a humanitarian centre. It is an attempt to further destabilize the region.
RFE: Why do you believe so?
Senator Johnson: Because I believe it is the essence of Russia’s and Putin’s programme.
RFE: Serbia supports the so-called policy of balance, in terms of NATO, Russia, except the EU, we can say. Do you think the two-chair policy works?
Senator Johnson: Probably not, given the way Russia and Putin act now. But as I said earlier, I would really like to have better relations with Russia, that Russia is not our opponent. From my point of view, it fully depends upon the acts of Putin and Russia. The ball is in their yard. If they want better relations, they must behave better.
RFE: Will US President Trump visit Serbia? According to local pro-government media he should visit the Balkans by the end of 2018.
Senator Johnson: I do not decide on his agenda, but I would like that to happen. The reason why I am here and why so many politicians and members of our administration pay attention to Serbia and the Balkans is that we really understand the moment is as such that many good things can happen, and we want to support that.
RFE: Where is the Balkans on Donald Trump’s administration’s priority list?
Senator Johnson: I can speak about my priorities only. I do not think I visited any country in Europe more than three times. I am here for the third time. It is clear this region is high on my priority list, same as Assistant Secretary of State Wes Mitchell taking into consideration his visits as well.
RFE: This is very interesting. Donald Trump surprised many Balkans inhabitants with the statement that Montenegrins are aggressive people, who can cause third world war. Can I kindly request your comment on that statement?
Senator Johnson: Before everything, I was chairing the sub-Committee at the time of Montenegro accession to NATO. Also, I was a chair, when the Senate ratified that decision with 98 votes against 2. Obviously, I support membership of Montenegro in NATO and I see Montenegro as our friend and an ally.
RFE: May I ask you then if Donald Trump was serious?
Senator Johnson: You need to talk to Donald Trump about that. I only express my own opinion.
END of interview
