US: Working to ease tensions between Kosovo, Serbia

“The US is working with the European Union, NATO and the governments of Kosovo and Serbia to take immediate steps to intensify the situation and avoid actions that raise tensions, putting at risk the progress achieved within the EU-mediated dialogue and negatively impact the daily lives of citizens”, the UN spokesman said.

The US said that at meetings invited by Brussels, which will be held over the next week, US Deputy Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs Gabriel Escobar will also attend.

“The US continues to support close regional co-operation to eliminate all barriers to free movement, trade and investment that benefit all Western Balkan citizens”, the spokesman said. UN for Radio Free Europe.

Earlier Sunday, EU diplomacy chief Josep Borrell indicated that during the following days, Kosovo's top negotiators have agreed to meet in Brussels, where the issue of freedom of movement will be discussed. He has said the EU facilitated dialogue is the only platform to address open issues between the parties.

Since the establishment of reciprocity measures for Serbia's license plates on September 20th, tensions have increased in northern Kosovo, where Serbian citizens are opposing the move. They have blocked with cars and other means leading to border crossings in Jarinje and Brnjak.

All vehicles with Serbian license plates entering Kosovo must remove plates and set up temporary plates issued by Kosovo authorities. Pristina has said that such a practice is practiced for years by Belgrade.

On 25 September, two incidents have been marked in two municipalities in northern Kosovo. In Zubin Potok the Centre for Autobill Recording has been burned, the Zvecan Centre for Civil Recording has already been attacked. Kosovo has blamed Serbia for standing behind these two incidents.