Escobar: Association duty, no reason not to implement the agreement by the end of summer

The special envoy of the United States of America (SHBA) for the Western Balkans, Gabriel Escobar, praised that the agreement for normalising relations between Kosovo and Serbia is a “great achievement” and that it represents a historical “opening before” in developing relations between the two countries.

In an interview for the Montenegrin news agency, Mina, Escobar said “sees no reasons” why the agreement on the remaining issues cannot be implemented by the end of the summer.

As he said, there are some elements in Serbia that must be fulfilled in recognition of car license plates, IDs and some other things.

Kosovo's “also is expected to form the Association of Serb majority municipalities. Excuse me, this isn't waiting. It's imperative”, Escobar said.

He said the United States wants these processes to develop as soon as possible.

I see no reason why it cannot be completed by the end of the summer”, Escobar said.

He recalled that the agreement between the two sides is legally binding and that it is now asked how to fully apply.

Escobar said he is optimistic that the goal will be achieved and believes Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti and Serbia's President Allexander Vuciq “can show the political courage needed to take appropriate steps”.

On February 27th, Kosovo and Serbia reached the Agreement on normalisation of relations in Brussels, while on March 18th, in Ohrid, agreed on the annex for its implementation