Fetoshi: Action in Ujman, legality and strategic step for national security

The operation to demolish illegal constructions in the Ujman area is a step in respecting the rule of law and carries strategic weight for consolidating Kosovo’s security, emphasized Arben Fetoshi, head of the Institute for Hybrid Warfare Studies.

In a conversation with Euronews Albania, Fetoshi stressed that reactions from Serbia were predictable, interpreting them as part of a tactic he described as ‘victimization’ pursued by official Belgrade.

He argued that the Serbian state aims to portray every institutional initiative of Kosovo as directed against the Serbian population, relying on the narrative of ‘discrimination and repression against Serbs’.

“Responses from the so-called Office for Kosovo were no surprise, but on the other hand we must be clear that Ujman has a special strategic importance for the country and, in this context, the liberation of usurped properties constitutes an action that also strengthens national security,” declared Fetoshi.

Speaking about the need for a more open approach by Kosovo institutions towards international partners, Fetoshi underscored that official Prishtina must modify its stance, especially considering that the Serbian side, in his assessment, shows no commitment to moving towards recognition of Kosovo.

He added that Kosovo must call on Serbia to accept the new geopolitical configuration in the Western Balkans, regardless of whether Belgrade officially recognizes its independence or not.

“The essence does not lie in whether Serbia recognizes Kosovo or not, but in imposing that it accepts the new reality where the state of Kosovo is a fait accompli,” Fetoshi stated.

In his view, in this regard, Kosovo authorities have a duty to preserve and deepen partnership with strategic allies, particularly with the United States and the European Union.

Fetoshi also warned that, although he does not expect Serbia to recognize Kosovo in the near future, this should not be interpreted as approval of strategies that, according to him, are oriented towards weakening the constitutional order and stability of the country.

In conclusion, Fetoshi assessed that regional peace will be more lasting if the Serb community in Kosovo sees its own perspective within the state of Kosovo and enjoys their rights guaranteed by the Constitution and the legislation in force.