Ioannis Michaletos interview to newspaper Pravda in Serbia

"In case of a regional conflict it is certain that Turkey will support the “great Albania” plans. But I have to say, that it is not certain that Turkey will actually gain control of the Bondsteel base"

Interview to the journalist Dragan Basovic for newspaper Pravda in Belgrad

 -Is an agreeement between Belgrade and Pristina possible?

An agreement is very difficult under present conditions. I think it will take several years before even an “interim” agreement takes place, let along a final one. It is very difficult for Belgrade to agree in loss of its national terrritory and on the other hand the Albanians do not want really to negotiate anything, for the time being.

- The Serbian government decided to enable freedom of movement on the Northern municipality. Local authorities of the region rejected what the government in Belgrade decided and said that they will have referendum about the authorities of Prisitna. Where their reactions lead into?

This is a crucial development and it seems that for sure in 2012 there will be more trouble in the North of Kosovo. Also one should take into account the expanding role of Germany in the region plus the American plans and the Russian ambitions. I believe there is still potential for conflict in that particular area. Also it is likely that there is going to be a clash between Kosovo-Serbs and the current Serbian goverment.

- The way the international community insists on a quick solution for Kosovo? Is it linked with the Serbian candidacy for the EU and early elections in Kosovo?

The Germans for sure have linked a final solution in Kosovo with EU’s acceptance of Serbia. About the rest of the “international communitiy” is not so certain. Moreover it has to be noted that in 2012 a lot of important developments are expected across Europe due to the ongoing financial crisis, therefore the issue of Kosovo will be used as a pretext so as not to accept Serbia or other Western Balkan countries into the EU, that has a lot of difficulties operating.

 -Kosovo’s acting President Jakup Krasniqi has met chiefs of assembly groups in the to discuss how to pull Kosovo out of its institutional crisis.Is political unstability in Pristina good for Serbs regarding the North of the Eparchy?

It is good as long as Belgrade has a strategic plan

 - Is Greece in danger if situation on North Kosovo gets out of from control?

Greece monitors situation in Kosovo closely because it always suspects a destabilization in the whole of the Balkans, plus it monitors potential Turkish reaction in the region and Albanian moves towards a potential “Great Albania plans”. Currently the issue is not high in the Greek foreign policy agenda, but it is always assessed by diplomatic and political authorities, as well as military ones, due to the presence of Greek soldiers there.

- German company Mercedes will leave Kosovo beecause of coruption.What does this mean?

This is a very interesting development that I assume it is realted to the “under the scenes” conflict for influence in Kosovo between the Americans and the Germans. This antagonism started years ago and still goes on and it is related also to business interests and companies competition between these two countries

-Military base Bondsteell will be, after the withdrawl of USA soldiers, under Turkish control. What do you think about that?

This means in most respects that Turkey will play a more active political role in the Western Balkans. But dont be sure that eventually Turkish military will have full control. It is more likely that there are going to be changes and finally US Army will remain and retain most of the control.

 -What will be the main task of the Turkish soldiers in Bondsteel? Is this related to the Great Albania project?

In case the Turkish Amry seizes control of the base (Something which is not certain), then this will benefit of course the Albanian side, since both countries have develop strong links over the past years. In case of a regional conflict it is certain that Turkey will support the “great Albania” plans. But I have to say, that it is not certain that Turkey will actually gain control of the Bondsteel base.