BELGRADE, Serbia
The US particular envoy for the Western Balkans arrived Monday in Kosovo’s capital Pristina amid tensions within the area.
The go to by Gabriel Escobar got here after Serbs in northern Kosovo blocked essential roads to protest the arrest on suspicion of terrorism of former Serb police officer Dejan Pantic, who was a part of a mass resignation of Serbs from the safety forces in November.
The US delegation met with President Vjosa Osmani and Prime Minister Albin Kurti.
Based on a press release from Osmani’s workplace, the US known as for the removing of blockades on roads within the north and an finish to intimidation and threats of violence.
US State Division Counselor Derek Chollet was additionally set to participate within the go to, but it surely was canceled after he examined constructive for COVID-19.
In the meantime, the European Union’s Overseas Affairs Council mentioned most member states agree with EU overseas coverage chief Josep Borrell on the necessity to ship in reinforcements and gear for the European Union Rule of Legislation Mission in Kosovo (EULEX) if they’re wanted.
”I requested the member states to be able to ship further reinforcements for our EULEX mission. Lots of them agreed and are able to ship extra capacities, simpler assist, extra folks to this mission if wanted,” mentioned Borrell.
Borrell urged each events to de-escalate tensions and return to the dialogue.
”They need to return to the EU-facilitated dialogue, as soon as once more, a tasking from the Basic Meeting of the United Nations to the European Union, and to me as facilitator of this dialogue. That is important for each Serbia and Kosovo on their European path,” he mentioned.
The EU Particular Consultant for the Belgrade-Pristina Dialogue, Miroslav Lajcak, is anticipated to go to the area within the coming days.
Tensions between Serbia and Kosovo
Kosovo, predominantly inhabited by Albanians, broke from Serbia in 1999 and declared independence in 2008. However Serbia has not acknowledged this and sees its former province as a part of its territory.
Tensions between the 2 flared final month when Kosovo tried to require ethnic Serbs to alter their automobile license plates that date earlier than 1999 to Pristina-issued plates. The choice led ethnic Serbs in Kosovo to withdraw from all central and native establishments.
A snap election was introduced in 4 northern municipalities for Dec. 18 after ethnic Serb representatives resigned from their posts.
Kosovo has postponed the elections over safety considerations, and the vote will now be held in April.
Earlier this week, some election facilities had been broken and capturing was heard in these areas, elevating fears of an escalation in tensions.
In the meantime, Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic mentioned Saturday that Belgrade will formally ask the NATO-led peacekeeping mission in Kosovo to deploy Serbian troops there.
Vucic additionally urged Serbs in Kosovo to respect NATO and EU forces.
