The German government and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs did not publish a statement regarding the assassination of Oliver Ivanovic. Why? Does Berlin fear new tensions? State Secretary in the Ministry Mihael Roth speaks about this for Deutsche Welle (DW).
DW: Mr. Roth, a few days ago Oliver Ivanovic was killed in Kosovo. Are Germany and the European Union afraid of the worsening of the situation in the Western Balkans after that assassination?
Michael Roth: The European Union, as well as the federal government in Berlin, must clearly show that they do not care what the future of the Western Balkans will be. We need to invest more time, more money, more creativity to show people in the region a clear perspective. But we cannot force anyone to do what is good for him...
...does this mean that you expect increased engagement from countries in the region as well?
Yes, this means that in the Western Balkans, above all, a reconciliation process is needed, more togetherness, more economic efforts, a more engaged fight against corruption must be observed. And finally, more jobs are needed for the young generation. Of course, the German government helps here.
And what can you, on behalf of Germany, specifically say to the citizens of the region, to the people who fear instability again, fear for their own future?
In principle, there is a perspective of membership in the European Union for the countries of the Western Balkans. Both the EU and Germany consider it their duty. But I would still like people in the Western Balkans to feel and understand that they are not alone and that we are on their side.
If you are on their side, then why didn't the German government, nor the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, publish a statement after the assassination of Ivanovic? Through Twitter, both you and the Ministry in Berlin often comment on events in the world, and after the murder of Ivanovic there was no reaction from Berlin, only Brussels announced. Why is Berlin silent?
If Germany does not express itself on an issue because the European Union has already commented on that issue, you must not understand this as Berlin's silence, but quite the opposite. We unreservedly support the clear position of the European Union. Because, after all, this is not about the entry of the countries of the Western Balkans into Germany, but into the European Union. We must increase the visibility of the EU in the Western Balkans, it must become clear that the Union has a great interest in the region's peace, reconciliation, stability and prosperity for many citizens. And finally, of course, to strengthen the rule of law and democracy.
The ruling politicians are responsible for that. After the assassination, did you contact the governments of Serbia and Kosovo? What did they tell you?
The process of normalization and dialogue between Kosovo and Serbia is of essential importance for achieving progress regarding Serbia's entry into the European Union. It is important to talk to each other. That is the basis for reconciliation, there must be dialogue!
Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić visited Kosovo last weekend. He sent several interesting messages, among other things, that "crime and corruption should be dealt with in our own ranks as well." How do you comment on his departure to Kosovo? How do you interpret his message?
We are glad, of course, that the President of Serbia clearly stated that rapprochement between the EU and the countries of the Western Balkans, and especially Serbia, can only happen if it identifies with common values. The fight against corruption, strengthening the rule of law, protection of minorities and regional cooperation are necessary prerequisites in that process.
A new coalition has not yet been formed in Berlin, there is a political vacuum, and the tasks are carried out by a technical government. Does this have consequences for the foreign policy of the Federal Republic of Germany? What is the federal (technical) government supposed to do at the moment, what is it doing?
There is no vacuum at all in this matter. We are very active in foreign and European politics. For example, I will soon visit the countries of the Western Balkans. We talk, we exchange opinions. Politicians from the region visited me in Berlin last week. So there is no downtime. But, of course, many are waiting for a new, stable German government that is aware of its responsibility for a Europe where peace and reconciliation will reign. And that's exactly what we're working on.
Michael Roth is a long-time deputy of the Social Democratic Party of Germany (SPD) and, since 2013, State Secretary for Europe at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Berlin.
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