Beden urged to make Kosovo situation a priority

A group of American senators sought from the administration of the president of the United States, Joe Biden, which “gives priority to addressing the deteriorating security situation between Kosovo and Serbia”.

The letter containing the signatures of eight democratic and republican senators encourages the president to review military sales if the two sides do not commit to the European Union's proposal for the suspension of the situation.

The situation in northern Kosovo, inhabited by Serb majority, has been tense since late May, when Albanian mayors of municipalities there have entered municipal facilities despite local residents' resistance.

Tensions have culminated in violence 29 May, when Serb protesters have clashed with NATO mission soldiers, KFOR. Tens of injuries have been reported on both sides.

While Kosovo and Serbia have blamed each other for the created situation, the international community has placed responsibility mainly on Kosovo.

The European Union is urging it to hold new local elections in the north, as well as to withdraw special police from that area. From Serbia, on the other hand, seeks to ensure the unconditional participation of Serbs in possible local elections.

Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti has said elections can only be held within the legal framework of the state.

The letter of eight American senators calls on Biden to put on “diplomatic pressure to end the current” crisis.

The letter also cites the need to implement the Ohrid Agreement, which Kosovo and Serbia have reached in March, with the aim of normalising relations.

Senators warned the review of support from Congress, if Kosovo and Serbia “fail to exercise 48x1> content and “work to reduce the security situation”.

They asked the Biden administration to provide a report to the US Senate on the current security situation in northern Kosovo.

“We are particularly concerned about the continued security and welfare of nearly 600 American troops serving within KFOR. We appreciate the US diplomatic efforts to calm the crisis, but these efforts are not particularly reciprocal from Kosovo”, said the letter.

The international community has taken several punitive measures against Kosovo, including its expulsion from a major military exercise, led by the US, due to a lack of disregard for the suspension of the situation in the north. The EU warned the proclamation of punitive measures for Kosovo this week. / REL