The frozen conflict is currently the best development of the events in Kosovo. This opinion is shared by 63 per cent of Serbian citizens, according to a sociological survey of the “Factor Plus” agency.
One fifth of the citizens, or more precisely 21 percent, think that the best solution at this time would be a treaty with which both Serbs and Albanians will gain something and lose something, while 9 per cent share the opinion that an agreement between Belgrade and Pristina should be reached at all costs. Seven percent have no opinion on the issue, which, as pointed out by the Director of the Factor Plus Agency Vladimir Peic, does not relate to the final decision, but to the current situation in connection with Kosovo.
The survey was carried out from 1 to 7 June among a representative sample of 1,200 people in Serbia. Most of the citizens surveyed – 61 per cent, think Kosovo negotiations are going in a bad direction for Serbia; 30 per cent have no opinion on this issue, while only 9 per cent think the talks are going in a good direction.
A convincing majority of Serbia’s citizens believe that maintaining the status quo is better than the solutions offered.
This is not a failure of President Alexander Vucic’s campaign, who insists on solving the frozen conflict, but an opinion of the citizens that there is no solution that could, at this time, satisfy Serbia, says Pesic.
More than half of the surveyed believe Serbia should react with its military if Kosovo’s forces occupy the northern part of Kosovo. 36 per cent believe Serbia’s military must be used only in the same part of Kosovo and 16 percent share the opinion that the army should be engaged in the entire territory of Kosovo. Peic states that citizens do not see any other solution to protect the Serbian people in Kosovo, with the territory in this case being a second plan.
Meanwhile, Kosovo Prime Minister Ramush Haradinaj reiterated that the only way to resolve issues between Kosovo and Serbia is reconciliation between the two countries and the recognition of Kosovo’s independence from Belgrade. Serbian President Alexander Vucic has already said he expects the dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina to continue in late June.
Whatever the solution is being sought, the European Union remains a leader in the talks between Pristina and Belgrade – this is the recognition of the United States in the face of US Ambassador to Serbia Kyle Scott. The US and the whole international community must play a role in the dialogue process, supporting sustainable peace in the region, but it is in Brussels’ hands to maintain it.
