Hill's statement about Kurt, Escobar: I don't want to blame anyone, negotiations are in sensitive stage.

US special envoy for the Western Balkans Gabriel Escobar has spoken about Ambassador Hill's statement that the Kosovo side was unprepared for dialogue.

Asked whether it was even his impression he has indicated that negotiations are currently in a very sensitive phase and that he does not want to blame anyone.

“Negotiations are currently in a very sensitive phase. So I don't want to blame anybody, because, to be honest, everything started in Brussels and I think we've come a long way since. Since we have a peaceful, applicable and feasible solution that does not complicate the lives of Kosovo's citizens, especially those in northern Kosovo, I don't think we will have a problem. I'm an optimist too, I think we're going to be able to get out of”, he said.

Asked how it is possible that his presence has not encouraged Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti to be more flexible, since America is an important partner of Kosovo, Escobar said they have encouraged Pristina to be constructive and that he has seen the will about it.

You see, we are an important partner and they are our partners, so we have really open dialogue with Kosovo. And we encouraged them to be more flexible and constructive. I saw he had a good will. They have their concerns, so we took that into account. We will continue to rely on our partnership with Kosovo, but also on good will and improved relations between the US and Serbia. And I want to point out clearly: after these days there is room for optimism”, he told N1.