Expectations vary among Kosovo Albanians, Serbs

Ordinary Albanian and Serb residents in Kosovo have different expectations regarding the ongoing status process. They are particularly split when it comes to the direct talks between Belgrade and Pristina in New York tomorrow, especially in Kosovska Mitrovica, where Serbs occupy the northern part of the city. Expectations vary among Kosovo Albanians, Serbs “We are not expecting much, as Kosovo residents. I think that there’ll be another postponement, meaning that nothing will be resolved,” said one resident. “I am very happy that the Serbian administration has finally agreed and that all voices are saying the same thing, so we can expect a lot. But, I see that the U.S. is announcing independence again. I think we will fight for a better tomorrow for Serbia,” a Kosovo Serb told our reporters. “I expect progress to be made. Because, as has been announced, they are having meetings with important people from the international community and I expect that they will convince them of their positions, and that is that they are offering the Albanians in Kosovo all but independence, on paper,” said another. Pristina residents are not expecting great results from the direct meetings with the Belgrade negotiation team. “I do not think these talks have any real point, nor have they since the outset, because both sides are defending opposing positions. That is why there will be no results and why Kosovo needs to proclaim independence unilaterally, which will be recognized by the international community,” one of people interviewed in Pristina said. “The international community has accepted Kosovo independence, but not officially. I expect good results from the talks and for the Kosovo delegation to defend its stance well,” said another. “There is no reason to return us to the government we were once under. Today’s government in Serbia is the same as it was before. I believe that the UN will ultimately decide in favor of Kosovo independence.” “I do not think anyone believes that a Kosovo solution will be found through negotiation, not to mention the Serb side’s ultimatum. I think that it is safe to say that the negotiations will fall through,” an ethnic Albanian said.

Expectations vary among Kosovo Albanians, Serbs

“We are not expecting much, as Kosovo residents. I think that there’ll be another postponement, meaning that nothing will be resolved,” said one resident.

“I am very happy that the Serbian administration has finally agreed and that all voices are saying the same thing, so we can expect a lot. But, I see that the U.S. is announcing independence again. I think we will fight for a better tomorrow for Serbia,” a Kosovo Serb told our reporters.

“I expect progress to be made. Because, as has been announced, they are having meetings with important people from the international community and I expect that they will convince them of their positions, and that is that they are offering the Albanians in Kosovo all but independence, on paper,” said another.

Priština residents are not expecting great results from the direct meetings with the Belgrade negotiation team.

“I do not think these talks have any real point, nor have they since the outset, because both sides are defending opposing positions. That is why there will be no results and why Kosovo needs to proclaim independence unilaterally, which will be recognized by the international community,” one of people interviewed in Priština said.

“The international community has accepted Kosovo independence, but not officially. I expect good results from the talks and for the Kosovo delegation to defend its stance well,” said another.

“There is no reason to return us to the government we were once under. Today’s government in Serbia is the same as it was before. I believe that the UN will ultimately decide in favor of Kosovo independence.”

“I do not think anyone believes that a Kosovo solution will be found through negotiation, not to mention the Serb side’s ultimatum. I think that it is safe to say that the negotiations will fall through,” an ethnic Albanian said.