Kosovo’s Constitutional Court former President, Enver Hasani, told N1 the creation of Pristina’s army depended on the support of local Serbs and the necessary constitutional changes, adding without them an army could not be formed.

In an interview with N1, Hasani added that by adopting the laws Kosovo would not create an army but would start a 10-year-long process of transformation of the Kosovo Security Forces (KSF) into the military.

Those laws, he said, did not violate the constitution.

“The KSF function in line with NATO standards and there is no chance they can threaten anyone and work against the fundamental NATO values and the Western liberal constitutionalism," Hasani said, commenting on Belgrade’s warning about Kosovo army’s possible destabilisation of the region.

Speaking about the 100 percent import tariffs Pristina introduced on goods from Serbia and Bosnia, Hasani said it was a Kosovo Government desperate, populist attempt to win support ahead of next year’s elections.

"One of the effects of that move is to resume the (Belgrade - Pristina) dialogue as soon as possible. Kosovo Government pushes both the regime and the opposition to inevitable talks with Serbia,” Hasani said.

Commenting on Belgrade’s stand it would not continue the dialogue with Pristina until Kosovo revoked the tariffs, and Kosovo’s Prime Minister Haradinaj’s statement the duties would remain in place until Serbia recognised Pristina’s independence, Hasani said “that is possible only in the cartoons.”

"It’s politics. It is not measured by rational, legal and constitutional reasons or those of the international laws,” Hasani added.

He said the dialogue had not started independently, but under pressure by the international community from both sides of the Atlantic.

“I’m sure that pressure will increase due to the Kosovo Government moves and the Belgrade rhetoric which lead to further worsening of the relations on both sides, “ Hasani said.

He added, “that is a sign to the international community to work faster, to effectively mediate the dialogue and enable an overall agreement between the two sides.”