Grenell Honored by Serbia: Reflects on Diplomatic Legacy and Urges International Pressure on Kosovo's PM

🇺🇸 U. S., Grenell's honor in Serbia underscores the delicate balance of diplomacy in the ever-evolving Balkans.

Belgrade — The President of Serbia, Aleksandar Vučić, presented former U.S. envoy for the Kosovo-Serbia dialogue, Richard Grenell, with the Order of the Serbian Flag. This recognition was extended for Grenell's "outstanding services in the development and strengthening of peaceful cooperation and relations between Serbia and the United States."

In his remarks, President Vučić described Grenell, saying, "Not only can he be called a true friend of Serbia, but also of the entire region. In a short period, he made a significant impact on the relations between Serbia and the U.S." Vučić further praised the former envoy's role not just in regional peace and stability but in fundamentally improving Serbia-U.S. ties. "His tenure showed his sharpness, diplomatic skills, and above all, his readiness to listen to the other side's views, even if he didn't always agree. He demonstrated something we rarely see in the international community - objectivity, intellectual and political honesty, and consistency," Vučić added.

Grenell, reflecting upon receiving the honor, clarified that it wasn't his idea to "place economy before politics" but that of former U.S. President Donald Trump. "I'd be remiss not to thank him, as it was his vision - to prioritize the economy and job creation over political negotiations," Grenell noted.

He also mentioned a similar honor he received in Kosovo three years prior. "I am honored, as I believe I'm the only individual to receive such awards in both Serbia and Kosovo," Grenell remarked. Expressing his affection for both nations, he said, "I love Serbia, the Serbian people, Kosovo, and the people of Kosovo. I wish Serbia had a partner like Hashim Thaçi."

Grenell didn't shy away from sharing his critique of Kosovo's Prime Minister, Albin Kurti. "I regret that you don't have a partner like Thaçi who can move things forward," Grenell stated. Emphasizing the need for international intervention, he added, "It's essential for the international community to pressure Kurti to implement what Thaçi promised. Only then can we return to a point where pressure can be applied on both sides to make concessions."