BY SELIM IBRAIMI – The United States expects that after the October elections in Kosovo, the new government will take over the dialogue process with Serbia and be the bearer of the new Serbian-Kosovo agreement. US diplomats and senators have stressed that both sides must compromise in the name of regional peace and stability. The most realistic assumption is that there will be territorial shifts between Serbia and Kosovo, and it seems impossible for Serbia to accept Kosovo without the secession of the north from Kosovo’s sovereignty. But Washington has no idea whether territorial exchanges will implemented on the ground.

The US government and the State Department are dynamically interested in making this land swap by offering both states a long-term agreement, whereby Serbia should then halt the diplomatic campaign against Kosovo. The other argument is that Kosovo wants recognition from Belgrade at its current borders, but Washington does not demand it from Serbia.

The Kosovar side will be in a more difficult position because of national fractions and pressure from Washington on new compromises. However, a new Balkans is being created with boundaries that will determine the fates of national minorities.

The most realistic option would be if Washington will back the creation of states with economic and territorial capacities that would establish the century of peace in the Balkans.

Kosovo and Bosnia are ongoing tests of U.S. policy on the new Balkans against powers aimed at overthrowing the US in the region. Moreover, Washington needs to clarify the balance of power in Southeast Europe and the effects of the new policy. (ISSDMaqedonia-@CSSDMacedonia)