[Serbia has won a major diplomatic victory, but it has wisely been obscure and low-key]
For about a month in the past month, the situation in Kosovo and even in the Balkans has suddenly become tense with the promulgation of a "license plate change" policy specifically aimed at the local Serb community by the Kosovo authorities, which unilaterally declared "independence" in 2008. Under the mediation of the EU, although the situation has temporarily eased, the undercurrent is still surging.
However, in this round of the game, in the face of Kosovo blessed by the United States and Europe, Serbia has not fallen behind. The fact that an agreement can be reached this time is itself a manifestation of the balance of strength and the difficulty of scoring. At present, it seems that an important news revealed by Serbian President Vucic on August 27 is likely to be an important factor that demonstrates Serbia's diplomatic capabilities and ultimately promotes the agreement.
President Vucic announced at the time that the Serbian side had recently "persuaded 7 countries to cancel the recognition of Kosovo" and made it clear that "it will find a way to win more support from the country." Some commentators believe that Vietnam and Kenya may become important targets that Serbia will "strive for".
Since the Kosovo authorities unilaterally declared "independence", 119 countries in the international community have recognized their "independent" status, but with the recurrence of some countries, as of now, more than 90 countries have recognized it. It can be seen that except for the United States and some countries that have a tough attitude towards Serbia, other countries are still likely to change their positions.
Therefore, winning seven countries this time is undoubtedly a major diplomatic victory won by Serbia.
However, just as the Serbian foreign minister publicly announced in early 2022 that four countries had cancelled their recognition of Kosovo without naming them one by one, this time, Vucic did not disclose which countries had changed their positions. In fact, it is still very wise for the Serbian side not to publish a specific list, but to "blur it". Based on the analysis of commentators, the main reasons are as follows:
First, it would benefit those countries that had shifted their positions. After all, on the Kosovo issue, the United States and even some European countries are unlikely to make concessions, and it is very likely that they will find ways to retaliate against these countries that have blatantly changed their positions.
Second, the Cypriot side also has long-term plans. Making the Kosovo issue more open and clear, especially making the United States and some countries in the European Union deeperly frustrated, is not conducive to alleviating the current crisis, and in the long run, it is not conducive to the process of "Europeanization" of Serbia's economy.
Therefore, Serbia's "low-key diplomacy" not only conforms to, but also contributes to, the realization of Serbia's own interests and friendly countries to Serbia.
#塞尔维亚 #
