Albania-Kosovo, two sovereign countries, one nation

2024-11-05 08:52:00, Opinione Piro Ahmetaj

In advance, I need to sincerely thank the media inside and outside the country for the publication (in the last 25 years) of dozens of strategic assessments in the field of reforms of the defense system and the development of (all) National interests, with a focus on the security situation of the post- the liberation of Kosovo from the Serbian occupation (06/1999); progress and challenges for the construction of sustainable peace as well as the agenda of the Euro-Atlantic integration (NATO/EU) of the countries of the Balkan region.

Even after leaving the reserve, in the capacity (forum) of the Expert in the field of SK, the Region and NATO, I have tried to represent and present the (entire) National interests with dignity in: "10 conferences of the Atlantic Council, the War Institute and panels of security experts/colleagues in Washington, USA; Brussels, the Marshall Center, Germany, the NATO College in Rome, as well as the last 3 Summits of the Euro-Atlantic Alliance, Madrid - 22, Vilnius - 23, Washington - 2024, etc"!

I. GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS:

Beyond Noli's prophecy "as a curse" on the brutality of the war between the Vedic people (for the armchairs of politics and the oppressors of power), we cannot deny, "on the contrary, we humble ourselves" for the fallen, the warriors and the sublime sacrifices of the Albanians over the centuries, but also for the visionary patriots, the strong pens, as well as the constant efforts for cohesion, which separately or together remain engraved in the memory of honor of our (entire) National history.

However, we cannot even be proud of folkloric patriotism; nor with "legendary history"; nor with the paranoia that "the world is always to blame", the Anglo-Americans, the French, etc. This is because despite having common history, language, culture, risks and interests, unfortunately Albania and Kosovo still remain separate. I have never said/I never said to "scratch, or shake hands, or put out each other's eyes". On the contrary, I repeat that the blood, sacrifices, efforts, achievements (even if modest) as well as problems or "lessons learned" should serve us as a basis for the implementation of a Concept, Projects as well as a common matrix between the 2 countries .

Without ever becoming the judge of the protagonists of the (un)glorious history nor the prophet of the bright future, below you will find a geopolitical summary, repeating even more strongly the recommendation to draft, write and implement a historical strategy between RS and Kosovo: two sovereign countries, one nation". For more clarity, the application of the basic principle (Article-5) of NATO: "any military attack on the territorial integrity of the Republic of Kosovo is also considered as an attack on the sovereignty of the RS and vice versa. Thus, the response will be common, proportional and discouraging"!

This platform/approach, which for some may sound too strong, remains a legitimate right to apply an advanced "smart" concept on the protection of sovereignty as well as the development of national interests while guaranteeing international factors that this approach carries no "threat" to the countries of the region. On the contrary, it aims at additional contributions for the development of measures of mutual trust, peaceful coexistence between peoples, democratic stability and the Euro-Atlantic integration agenda. Moreover, this package remains open to any country in the region (including Serbia) to face and jointly address the challenges of terrorism, organized crime, trafficking, civil emergencies and EU security policy (ESDP). ).

In addition to the Bolshevik paranoia of E. Hoxha, I still do not manage to (well) understand why and who (actually anyone) has banned the Governments (with democratic collars) after 1991, which still do not have a science academy, health system, cyber protection, joint embassies, etc. However, it should be kept in mind that the strategic partnership (2-States 1-One nation) between RS and Kosovo exceeds the mandates of some Governments as well as the Turkish paranoia of the perpetuity of (over) Power.

II. PACKAGE with 10 COMMON PROJECTS

Project no. 1: Creation of a joint Institute of Strategic Studies for the development of SSK, SU, PAZh, standardization, doctrines, rules of engagement, etc., experience that should be institutionalized with an MoU.

Project No. 2. Pilot or exemplary project for the modernization of the civil defense system with concept, legal package, capacities, rules of engagement, common structure of Command-Control (C2) as well as a matrix with escalating measures and respective responsibility. While also relying on the experience of Italy, Slovenia, Austria, etc., under the (entire) National Center for Civil Emergencies (QKEC) can this 3 logistic units/Br (force provider), 6 Territorial Bases and 12 Civil Defense Branches spread throughout the territory of RS and Kosovo.

Project no. 3: Joint system for the education, training/training of military and civilian personnel for the AF of the 2 countries. The aim of this project: "a Security and Defense College/Higher Course (KLSM), an officer academy, an NCO academy, a troop school, a training ground as well as a joint Master's and Doctorate program.

Project no. 4: Joint units/teams for international operations directed by NATO, EU, UN or coalitions, including joint exercises initially at the platoon and company level, training of staffs in the joint simulation center as well as certification according to Alliance standards. .

Project no. 5: Joint task force, for supporting Kosovo in the 5 areas of the NATO Membership Action Plan (Politics, Economy, Legal Framework, Finances and Information); for participation in regional initiatives, such as SEDM/SEEBRIG, A5; in the "Balkan Battle Group of the EU"; NATO Centers of Excellence, etc.

Project no. 6: Military intelligence and information security classified according to NATO standards, in order to develop capacities, as well as common rules of engagement of intelligence for the prevention of terrorist acts, crime, de-stability of democratic society, etc. .

Project no. 7: Structure, plans, measures and joint/coordinated procurement procedures for the purchase of armaments, equipment and major systems, based on NATO standards so that the FAs of the two countries are interoperable.

Project no. 8: the maintenance of armaments, equipment and military systems as well as a common infrastructure to destroy ammunitions and armaments out of use/surplus of the FA.

Project no. 9: Airspace surveillance and policing, remains one of the most difficult, costly and thus impossible projects/challenges for each of our 2 countries. Therefore, Albania and Kosovo will have to commit together (MoU to become part of the MoU of regional programs (e.g. with Croatia). With the end of the KFOR mission, still the request for Kosovo's airspace, Albania must support the inclusion of Kosovo in the BRAD initiative or other initiatives.

Project no. 10: The establishment of a port-sea capacity of Kosovo "in the deep waters of the Adriatic (RSh)", dedicated to support economic activities but also the strategic deployment of military forces in international operations, etc. The modalities, procedures, legal basis, location and other aspects will require political will in advance.

III. SUMMARY MESSAGE:

Purpose of the historic Platform (2-states 1-Nation) as well as the package of 10 joint projects: "development of capacities, strategies, doctrines, standardization, planning, procurements; civil emergencies, education, training, participation in national and international missions, maintenance, cyber risks, air policing, renegade situations, etc. Building capacity alone (from RS/Kosovo) in professional optics is simply an impossible mission. Being so, it would be the continuation of historical, strategic and geopolitical mistakes at the same time.

Neither the draft-Platfoma nor the 10 joint projects are in any way an attempt to "reinvent the wheel nor invoke Eureka", since success in this area of ??high national sensitivity requires a new mentality, mutual trust, strong leadership and cohesion of societies of the two countries. Moreover, this platform and the 10 projects will have to be consulted and harmonized with the efforts and the official position of the USA: "Kosovo remains the model when the international community, led by the USA, is committed to preserving common interests and values! NATO, will should stay in Kosovo until the KSF has the legitimacy and skills to take responsibility for the protection of the territorial integrity and security of the country".

As for the "forced diplomatic concern", I confirm that this approach has been successfully applied by many countries, e.g. from the Benelux countries (Belgium, Netherlands, Luxembourg); Baltic countries (Lithuania, Estonia and Latvia, as Defense College (BALDEFCOL), Joint Group-Battalion (BALTBAT), Joint Air Policing (Baltik Air Policing); Nordic countries (Norway, Finland, Sweden); Slovenia with Hungary, not mentioned the approach of two NATO countries (Turkey and Greece) in relation to the sovereignty of Cyprus, i.e. to an EU member state!

Beyond the "armament to the teeth" of Serbia; the (mis)abuse of Belgrade for the Russian-Putinist agenda as well as the awakening (or acquisition) of historical alliances; I believe even more strongly that peace remains the only mission, in the interest of peaceful coexistence, safety of life, property, well-being of citizens as well as the Euro-Atlantic future of the 6 countries of the 6 countries of the Western Balkans, i.e. Albania, Kosovo, MV, Montenegro , Serbia and Bosnia-Herzegovina.

Whereas, actors and strategists/colleagues in the region, Washington, Brussels, etc. I would suggest that the perspective of peace, status quo and geopolitical interests in the Balkans will have to be preconditioned not by the return of the arms race, but by the "imposition ” of two Mutual Confidence Measures, through which Official Belgrade: “(1) will maintain the balance of military power (Tanks, Mig-29, Rafale, Russian-Chinese missiles, etc.) to the extent that it does not threaten the neighbors ( especially Kosovo); (2) neither installations nor military activities (20 km air distance and 5 land) will be placed on the interstate borders, monitored by the USA/NATO/EU, as a critical factor for peace in the region.

Also, I would fraternally advise the political factors of Tirana and official Prishtina that: "the rollback after the defeat of the Russia-Putinist war, the recycling of historical alliances as well as Belgrade's threats to the integrity of Kosovo", address them with high responsibility state to build "Albania and Democratic Kosovo", beyond the presence of NATO (which cannot be eternal); where, above all, citizens, regardless of ethnic, religious and political affiliations, feel equal before the law, as well as in factoring the role of Albania and Kosovo, from consumers to "Leader Nation" for peace, democratic stability and integration in NATO/EU.

Finally, I hope that this product will also contribute a little to update the "strategic, official and public opinion" at the national, regional level and beyond. While beyond the prejudices (from cynics who twist not only the stagnant ones), I have to re-confirm that, I remain committed to contribute with experience and additional responsibilities in the protection and development of national interests as well as for the strengthening of the strategic partnership with the USA/ NATO!/ CNA