Serbia is expected to return its ambassadors to the 20 countries that immediately recognized the independence of the Republic of Kosovo, marking an important step towards normalizing the relations with these countries.

 
This is viewed as the first sign of Serbia changing course in its policy towards its neighbor, the Republic of Kosovo. Many Balkans experts anticipated that Serbia would change its policy after the pro-European political forces consolidate their new coalition, and normalize the strained relations with the countries which have recognized the newly-fledged nation, the Republic of Kosovo.

Despite of populist statements in Serbia, many politicians privately admit that Serb leadership has to acknowledge the new reality in Kosovo. The biggest problem remains how to explain this about-face turn to the public.

Although there are problematic political figures in Serbia, President Boris Tadiq's party allies seem to have established a solid majority to control the future politics of Serbia. The recent skirmish over Belgrade mayoral office between Tadiq's democrats and former Miloseviq party members, who are together in the government coalition, appeared to be the best example of Tadiq's power. Serbia's dailies indicated yesterday that Tadiq has reached a parliamentary agreement with LDP, the only Serbian political party that has recognized the Republic of Kosovo and sought to normalize relations with its neighbor.

This agreement comes as a message to socialists that LDP would be their replacement if Tadiq does not get socialist support. If LDP becomes a government partner, its leader, Cedomir Jovanovic would become vice prime minister and interior minister of Serbia, say Serb papers. Cedomir Jovanovic has publicly recognized the Kosovo independence, stressing that normalizing relations with the Republic of Kosovo is very important for the future of Serbia.

Nevertheless, Serbia's new government has started supporting the illegal Kosovo Serb parallel structures run by radicals and Kostunica's nationalists, through whom many analysts believe Serbia aims at dividing Kosovo. Kosovo Serbs who have expressed the desire to integrate into Kosovo insitutions have been blackmailed by these structures sponsored by Belgrade.

The fear of partition of Kosovo has alarmed many European nations whose foreign ministers are expected to meet next week. A clearer, official message this time, will be relayed to Serbia to not obstruct the peaceful process in Kosovo, change policy, and not obstruct the deployment of European Union mission, if Serbia wants to join the European family.

An influential diplomat in Brussels, who asked to remain anonymous, said that "without recognizing Kosovo independence and establishing relations with its neighbor, normalizing relations with the EU, and clarifying its position towards the Euro-Atlantic structures, there is little chance for Serbia to join the EU."