Kosovo’s Struggle for Forgiveness and Recognition: A Call for Mutual Restorative Justice

The recognition of Kosovo as a sovereign state by various countries has been a contentious issue, particularly for Serbia. But what if the countries that recognized Kosovo withdrew their recognition, and instead issued a joint statement asking forgiveness for the past mistakes that have occurred? This would be a revolutionary step towards achieving mutual restorative justice.

Forgiveness: A Distant Dream for Serbia

Kosovo has long sought recognition from the world community, particularly from key players like Russia, Germany, Italy, and Turkey. These countries, driven by their interests and economic relations with Serbia and its neighbors, have often shown leniency towards Serbia’s actions. However, this ease of forgiveness has come at a cost. Serbia, despite being internationally condemned for its treatment of Kosovo and Bosnia during the 1990s, has not faced significant consequences. Instead, it has been exacerbated by economic and political influences, allowing it to regain a sense of sovereignty and independence.

The Human Cost of War Crimes

The suffering of Kosovo Albanians in the 1990s cannot be ignored. They endured human rights abuses, ethnic cleansing, and war crimes committed by Serbian forces. The financial repercussions of these crimes, though significant, have not been fully addressed. As a result, Western powers, with interests in Serbia and its economy, have overlooked these injustices in favor of maintaining their relationships. This leniency has falsely portrayed Serbia as a contributor to peace, when in reality, the suffering of the Kosovo people continues to this day.

Guilt and Forgiveness: A Bounded Responsibility

Are all Serbs collectively guilty for the atrocities committed during the 1990s? No, and not all Serbs share the same views on Kosovo today. While Kosovo Albanians have found it easier to forgive and move on, Serbs continue to view the West as enemies. This ongoing animosity is rooted in a deep-seated distrust and the sense of being constantly unfairly judged. Therefore, if true forgiveness and reconciliation are to be achieved, it is imperative that the Serbs, specifically, take the lead in this process.

Call for Justice and Accountability

The call for forgiveness must come from the Serbs themselves, and it must be done while the Kosovo Albanians are still alive. This process should not be delayed indefinitely, as time only serves to erode the emotional and physical scars of the past. Sovereign states, by their very nature, have the right to act according to their interests. However, the world community must demand accountability and support processes that promote healing and mutual understanding.

EU’s Role and Kosovo’s Future

The European Union (EU) has a pivotal role to play in this reconciliation process. As a key ally of Serbia, the EU must encourage Serbia to take responsibility for its actions and to work towards a peaceful resolution with Kosovo. The recognition and willingness to forgive are essential components of this process. For Serbia to truly be deserving of international recognition, it must show a genuine commitment to acknowledging its past mistakes and working towards a better future for all involved.

Conclusion

Kosovo’s struggle for recognition and forgiveness is a complex and ongoing process. The international community must remain vigilant and support the efforts towards mutual restorative justice. Only through genuine forgiveness and accountability can the region move past its troubled history and build a lasting peace.