EXPLAINED: Why is Serbia and Kosovo on brink of major conflict again and who's to blame?

deces-old Serbia-Kosovo border tensions are on verge of erupting again as fresh clashes took place in Kosovo’s north between authorities in Pristina and ethnic Serbians opposing new border rules. From unannounced raids to protests, tensions between Belgre and Pristina continue regularly, particularly because Kosovo issue has been left unresolved since 1999. Without any formal authority over Kosovo, Serbia has not recognised Pristina’s sovereignty. Remarkably, Kosovo declared independence in February 2008 but Serbia considers country as its own territory.

Why are Serbia and Kosovo on brink of war again?

conflict between Serbia and Kosovo remained frozen for two deces; however, this time re is a risk of friction escalating into a dangerous conflict. This is because context of tensions has changed drastically with regard to European Union (EU) taking responsibility for complex political situation in Balkan states. 

ethnic Serbs living in Kosovo’s north do not recognise Pristina’s authority to impose rules and regulations. Recently, demonstrators in border region protested against Kosovo imposing new border rules, forcing Pristina to delay implementation. 

While no casualties were reported in clashes over weekend, routine conflicts between Serbia and Kosovo have previously led to multiple deaths and injuries. A range of individuals has been detained including UN personnel, Russians and or people. 

Experts in Russia, country which has sided with Serbia in conflict, believe that Kosovo solved problem at end of 20th century in strict accordance with dominant approach. According to an RT report, region was developed in conditions where “only future romap” for several states was eventual membership of EU. 

However, prospects of bloc’s membership varied from relatively close or very distant. Notably, EU’s management, which has changed due to circumstances, has not led to any desired outcome over past quarter of a century in Kosovo. 

Kosovo has mainly ethnic Albanian territory that was formerly a province in Serbia. delock over Kosovo’s independence has kept tensions between both sides simmering which is also preventing full stabilisation of Balkan region following dely conflicts in 1990s, which also witnessed NATO intervention. 

Why Serbia is not letting go of Kosovo?

Serbia upholds Kosovo as its own territory and heart of its statehood and religion. It is to note that re are a number of medieval Serb Orthodox Christian monasteries in Kosovo, which is considered an independent state by about 100 nations except Russia, China, Serbia and a few European nations. Moreover, nationalists in Serbia regard a 1389 battle against Ottoman Turks in Kosovo as a testament to its national struggle. 

Who is living in Kosovo?

population living in Kosovo are ethnic Albanians who are majorly Muslims. y consider Kosovo as ir own country while accusing Serbia of occupation and repression. Back in 1998, se Albanians h launched an offensive against Serbia, prompting a harsh response from Belgre which ultimately led to NATO’s intervention in 1999. forces from US-led defence alliance led Serbia to pull out of Kosovo and cede control to international peacekeepers. As of now, re are over 3,000 NATO peacekeeping forces in Kosovo. 

Despite declaration of independence, ethnic Serbs living in norrn Kosovo have resisted any attempts by Pristina to impose more control on Serb-dominated north. main town in Kosovo’s north, Mitrovica is significantly divided between an ethnic Albanian part and a Serb-held part.

Has anybody tried to resolve conflict?

international community have constantly tried to find a common ground between two former foes, Serbia and Kosovo. However, both sides have remained unsuccessful in penning down a comprehensive agreement assuring peace. European Union (EU) has been able to introduce freedom of movement and multiethnic police. But no categoric breakthrough in peace talks implies that re would be prolonged instability, ethnic decline and repeated clashes. 

It is to note that any intervention by Serbian military would mean a confrontation with NATO Peacekeepers. Serbia is unlikely to move in but Kosovo’s north is controlled by Belgre. Moreover, Kosovo can not become a United Nations (UN) member or a functional state without resolving dispute with Serbia. 

What is happening right now?

This week, Kosovo delayed implementation of new border rules after police were reportedly forced to close two border crossings with Serbia on Sunday. Kosovo's Police claimed that y were forced to shut Bernjak and Jarinje border crossings after ethnic Serbians in north shot at authorities and blocked ros while protesting against new border rules proposed by Kosovo, prompting UN to urge both sides to avoid escalation. 

se new rules, which were set to take effect on Monday before unrest along border, would have forced people entering Kosovo with Serbian IDs inste to have a temporary document during ir stay in Pristina. Remarkably, a similar rule regardings IDs is applied by Serbia for Kosovars. Kosovo’s government also said that ethnic Serbians who have registration plates issued by Serbia would have to change m for Kosovo within two months.

Fourteen years after Kosovo declared independence from Serbia, around 50,000 Serbs living in north, close to Kosovo border, still use license plates and papers issued by Serbian government. 

Who’s to blame for recent flare-up of tensions?

Early Monday, after delaying implementation of new border rules, Kosovo government also accused Serbia of trying to destabilise country as ethnic Serbian in a dispute over vehicle license plates and identity cards. In a statement, Kosovan government h said that many “aggressive acts”, including ro blocking and shooting at authorities took place in norrn areas dominated by ethnic Serbs on Sunday.

Following tensions along border on weekend, Kosovo held consultations with European Union (EU) and US ambassors and announced that it would delay plan to implement new rules for one month. implementation of license plates and ID rules would now begin on September 1.

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic noted that situation with Kosovo, which witnessed fresh escalation over weekend, h never been “more complex” for Serbia and ethnic Serbs and emphasised that Belgre “will win” if attacked. Vucic said, “ atmosphere has been brought to a boil”. 

On or hand, Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti accused Serbian President of inciting “unrest”. On Facebook, Kurti noted, “ following hours, days and weeks can be challenging and problematic”. new rules, which became root of fresh tensions between both sides, came almost a year after Kurti gave up imposing similar rules due to similar protests. With Serbia not recognising Kosovo’s independence, tensions between both sides are now highest in years. NATO occupied Kosovo in 1999 following a 78-day war with n Yugoslavia. Kosovo declared independence with support from West. 

What has NATO said?

NATO, which maintains peace between both sides with 3,770 troops on ground in Kosovo, said on Sunday that it was rey to intervene if “stability is jeopardised”. alliance said that it would “take whatever measures are necessary to keep a safe and secure environment in Kosovo at all times” while also encouraging Pristina and Belgre to continue talks. 

(Image: AP)