Albania-Serbia Consulate Agreement Sparks Debate, Lis Bukuroca Calls for Reciprocity

The preliminary agreement between Albania and Serbia to establish consulates in Shkodër and Bujanoc has sparked discussions about the political and diplomatic consequences of the decision. The debate is particularly linked to the status of Albanians in the Presheva Valley, as well as the unresolved issues between Kosovo and Serbia.

Serbian Foreign Minister Marko Gjuriç announced the agreement following a meeting with his Albanian counterpart, Ferit Hoxha. The Albanian representation in Bujanoc is viewed by some as an opportunity for closer institutional communication with the Albanians of the Presheva Valley. Meanwhile, the idea of a Serbian consulate in Shkodër has raised questions about its political motives and objectives.

In a statement to “Bota sot,” publicist Lis Bukuroca described the opening of the Albanian consulate in Bujanoc as positive, although he assessed that its political and legal impact on the Albanians of the Presheva Valley would be limited.

According to Bukuroca, the consulate cannot change the political and legal situation of the Albanians in this area, as that situation is determined by the policies of the Serbian state. Nevertheless, he said the representation could serve as a communication channel, gather direct information about systematic discrimination against Albanians, and provide them with consular and institutional support.

He took a different position regarding the Serbian consulate in Shkodër. The publicist argued that he sees no strong practical reason for its opening, emphasizing that Shkodër does not have a large Serbian community that would justify such a representation. For this reason, he considers the initiative more of a political balancing act than a consular necessity.

Bukuroca stressed that cooperation between states should not be opposed in principle, but must be built on equal treatment and recognition of the region’s political reality. He pointed out that Serbia still does not recognize Kosovo’s independence, continues its threatening rhetoric, and exerts pressure on Albanians in the Presheva Valley.

Under these circumstances, he said, the question naturally arises as to whether greater reciprocity and political sensitivity should have been sought before such steps were taken.

Speaking about Prime Minister Edi Rama’s approach toward Serbia, Bukuroca said it continues the prime minister’s policy of maintaining relations with Belgrade that are as constructive as possible and strengthening regional cooperation, including within the framework of European integration. According to him, this has also been reflected in Rama’s and Albanian institutions’ reactions to recent statements by Serbian officials, which he considers noticeably more restrained than expected.

He added that the European Union had also reacted mildly to statements by Serbian President Aleksandar Vuçiq. According to Bukuroca, the lack of a firmer stance against destabilizing rhetoric is creating concern in the region.

As for Kosovo, the publicist assessed that institutions and political parties should act prudently while also being clear in defending the country’s interests. He said regional cooperation is essential, but must be based on reciprocity, mutual respect, and the resolution of open issues between Kosovo and Serbia.

According to him, any action that creates the impression of full normality with Serbia while the fundamental problems between Kosovo and Serbia remain unresolved could send the wrong signals in the region and on the international stage.

In conclusion, Bukuroca warned that an approach based on one-sided understanding toward Serbia could have negative consequences. He said such treatment encourages Serbia, linking this to the fact that it does not arrest the perpetrators of the terrorist attack in Banjska but treats them as heroes, as well as to the continuation of provocations against Kosovo.

“The principle of reciprocity applies in politics. Edi Rama hopes to persuade the European Union by flattering Serbia. Integration is achieved through a functional state governed by law, strong institutions, and democratic standards. Not through stalling!” Lis Bukuroca concluded to “Bota sot.”