Batı Balkanlarda Güvenliğin Geliştirilmesinde Türk-Sırp

İlişkilerinin Katkısı

The Contribution of Turkish-Serbian Relations towards Improving Security in the

Western Balkans

Stronger ties since 2008

• Despite Turkey’s recognition of Kosovo, bilateral free trade agreements and defense cooperation contracts signed

• Infrastructure, economic contracts, social security (labor/social policies) signed

• Tri-lateral peace summit participation between both countries, and Bosnia/Herzegovina

• Srebrenica massacre apology achieved

3 Regional Issues Must be Addressed to Ensure Regional Security

• Sandžak (+ Preševo Valley) region of Serbia

• Republika Srpska in Bosnia-Herzegovina

• Northern Kosovo

Sandžak region Preševo Valley

How Turkey can help Serbia Address the Sandžak region and Preševo Valley

• ‘Decentralize, decentralize, decentralize’• Institute EU-recommended (judicial and

economic reforms mainly) with efficiency• Balanced economic development

throughout the country• Proper platform for dialogue with the

regions

Serbia’s Role in BiH – Republika Srpska

• Economic development disparities similar to Serbia’s Sandzak/Presevo regions

• Inter-ethnic/religious tensions still exist due to increased nationalist rhetoric from a strengthened Republika Srpska

How Turkey can help Serbia Address BiH’s Fragility

• Balance out development aid and projects between the federal entities; reduce favoritism claims and claims of conflict instigation

• Encourage reforms within state institutions and constitutional changes

• Continuously support Serbia’s view on maintaining BiH’s territorial integrity through disapproval of Republika Srpska’s possible secession referendum

Tension in Northern Kosovo

• Sporadic inter-ethnic clashes between ethnic Albanians and Serbians; politically divided administrative capital

• Violence, vandalism

• High unemployment rate (<40%)

Ways to Address N. Kosovo’s Issues

• Boost civil society measures to address social issues and build capacities; ‘fragility is not investor-friendly’

• Encourage Mitrovica’s cooperation with Pristina for internal cohesion by reducing involvement and encouraging stronger state institutions

• Increase overall reforms and investment to the region

General Recommendations

• Increase investment – economic downturn has dramatically increased frustration and hostility throughout the Balkans

• Encourage reforms - if necessary, decentralization for effective administrative purposes

• Boost civil society efforts – easing burden on central governments, and reduce inter-ethnic mistrust

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