Kosovo finds itself under mounting pressure from the European Union and the United States to take immediate action in response to the recent escalation of the conflict. In no uncertain terms, the United States has called PM Albin Kurti to “immediately” withdraw its security forces, remove mayors from the municipal building, and organize new local elections in northern Kosovo.
The State Department told The Pavovic Today that The United States and EU have been “very clear about our expectations from both parties.” Urgency is paramount, and Kosovo PM Albin Kurti and Serbia’s President Vucic must undertake tangible measures “without delay” to de-escalate tensions. Any actions that could be construed as exacerbating the situation are to be categorically avoided.
“We continue to call on Serbia and Kosovo to take immediate, concrete steps to de-escalate tensions, and to avoid actions that could be construed as escalating tensions,” a State Department spokesperson told The Pavlovic Today. “This includes Serbia’s unconditional release of the three Kosovo Police officers it continues to hold.”
We continue to call on Serbia and Kosovo to take immediate, concrete steps to de-escalate tensions.
State Department spokesperson further emphasized for The Pavlovic Today that “both parties” should adhere to the three-point plan outlined by the EU and promptly resume the EU-facilitated Dialogue “without delay.”
The developments in northern Kosovo have sparked deep concern within the EU, with Josep Borrell expressing his alarm. According to Borrell, the extrajudicial arrests of Kosovo Serbs and the marching of Kosovo Security Forces in South Mitrovica, followed by inflammatory rhetoric from Serbia, have raised the stakes significantly.
“Despite yesterday’s crisis meeting, escalation continues & is becoming dangerous. We will not tolerate it,” said Borrell.
