Thaci: ‘Belgrade Is Considering Recognising Kosovo’

Belgrade is considering recognising Kosovo’s independence, Kosovo’s Prime Minister Hashim Thaci claimed today.

Kosovo’s government spokesman, Memli Krasniqi, confirmed to Balkan Insight that Thaci told Belgrade journalists today that Serbia was considering recognising Kosovo as a country.

“I think you have started viewing the first signs from Belgrade,” said Thaci, referring to a shift towards a more positive stance towards Kosovo.

Thaci said he gained this impression during informal talks with political leaders of Belgrade, without giving specific names. “I don’t want to ruin this will of Belgrade with my declarations,” he said, when pressed about details of the discussions.

Thaci made the comments during a meeting with several journalists from Serbia, who are staying in Kosovo as part of an EULEX project.

Serbia’s government has not yet responded to the claims which, if true, would represent an extraordinary change of direction.

Talking about the arrest warrants issued against Kosovar Albanians by Serbia and Interpol’s arrest warrants, Thaci said that this policy is lamentable. “It’s better if Belgrade dealt with its European future rather than with ridiculous indictments.”