Thomas de Waal: Kosovo - a model in Caucasus
“The independence of Kosovo has served as a precedent for Nagorno-Karabakh. Although Western statesmen say Kosovo cannot be a model, statements don’t do it, as they are born in people’s minds. I think it has created a precedent in Caucasus, it has changed some calculations,” Thomas de Waal, expert on Caucasus, senior associate in the Russia and Eurasia Program at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, stated at “Eastern Partnership” conference in Yerevan.
Expert says he thinks the case of Kosovo is interesting – a state has been recognized by many others although not approved by the Serbs.
“It does create a model,” concluded the expert. Thomas de Waal has estimated the peace in the region “in deadlock”.
“If all the problems are solved and the issue of status is postponed, I think we’ll get on a right path,” said the expert. Thomas de Waal considers world unresolved conflicts white spots, three of them are in South Caucasus.