Britain's ambassador to Belgrade talks about shares in northern Kosovo: Dialogue depends only on sides

Great Britain's Ambassador to Belgrade, Sian MacLeod, says Britain remains committed to supporting the normalisation of Kosovo relations Serbia through EU-led dialogue, but says progress in dialogue will eventually depend on both sides, rather than on external mediators.

In an interview for “Kurir”, MacLeod said he was sorry he saw in several newspapers in Serbia that have distributed dezinforms and completely baseless accusations about the Kosovo police operation against smuggling and organised crime in several locations across Kosovo, during which several persons were arrested.

Unfortunately, several citizens and police members were injured in the clashes during the police operation. Organised crime is unfortunately a serious problem throughout the region. Criminal groups are involved in smuggling various things, including drugs and weapons”, the British ambassador said.

She says Britain is working with partners across the region, including Serbia and Kosovo, to fight organised crime and support efforts to implement the law.

Claiming that Britain remains committed to supporting normalisation of relations through EU-led dialogue, MacLeod said it is clear that it is in the interest of all communities to live in a safe and sustainable environment, not only because sustainable stability provides better opportunities for development and economic prosperity.

“Building trust and links between communities within and outside borders is as important as the political process. It includes addressing some painful issues, such as cases of missing persons where the UK is working to support both authorities and their families. But it also means looking towards the future and focusing on opening up opportunities for young people today, as well as creating the best possible environment for future generations”, the ambassador said.

Asked that the EU is increasingly losing credibility for the dialogue and that the administration of US President Joe Biden is increasingly engaged in resolving this issue, MacLeod said Great Britain is no longer an EU member and cannot talk about it.

However, she said she cannot expect to criticise the EU's role in this important process, which has the support of Great Britain, as well as Washington's clear support.

The procedure in the dialogue will ultimately depend on Kosovo and Serbia, not on foreign mediators”, the British ambassador said.