The Academy for the Development of Democracy – ADD warns of the danger of statements, plans, documents and hints of border changes in the Western Balkans and the creation of states on ethnic basis, and calls on all political actors in the region to clearly distance themselves from these statements and strongly condemn them.
It is inadmissible that twenty years after the end of the bloodiest conflicts on the territory of Europe after the Second World War certain politicians, even state officials, wish for and plan new divisions, conflicts and drawing borders along the assumed ethnic and mythological-historical lines. All theories and dreams about greater Serbia, Croatia, Albania and other countries in this area must remain in the 19th century, where they belong, and politicians who openly or covertly represent and promote them must be punished and hold accountable.
The period in which we live should be a time of integration, reconciliation, cooperation, democratization and modernization of all our countries, and not a renewed provocation of conflict, divisions and hatred. No one has the right to frighten citizens with new wars, to question the survival of the countries of the Western Balkans and thus destabilize the region, endanger peace and sow fear and hatred among the people. Such behavior is characteristic for political elites who do not understand that what matters is not the size of the state’s territory, but a dignified life, the rule of law, respect for human rights and freedoms and the independence of institutions working exclusively for the benefit of citizens.
These are the only values that will make all our countries a true part of Europe and the European Union, while everything else will keep us on a far periphery, regardless of whether the countries from which these statements and policies come are part of the European Union or not.
