Countryman: The escalation of the situation in the north is in words, but in deeds

Ambassador Countrymann, who served at the American Embassy in Belgrade in the mid-eightth century, says it is necessary for the Government of Kosovo to enable the calming of current tensions, which affect the dialogue for normalising relations between the two sides.

“If not a complete withdrawal, then at least limit access to members of Kosovo's special police and movements that show understanding of the need for political reconciliation and the deployment of legitimate leadership in northern Kosovo municipalities”, Countrymann said further.

With this stance the US diplomat has reacted to possible indicators of starting tensions in relations between Kosovo and Serbia following Bratislava's talks between Kosovo Deputy Prime Minister Besnik Bislimi, and mediators in dialogue between Kosovo and Serbia Miroslav Lajcak.

It was later agreed that the presence of police in and around municipal buildings in four municipalities in northern Kosovo will be reduced to a quarter, as well as that Kosovo authorities support holding early elections in majority Serb municipalities.

Also, Countryman underlined for “The Voice of America” that he disagrees with claims, which are heard by the ranks of Kosovo authorities and a part of the opinion, that the international community applies a kind of softer approach to Serbia to remove him from Russia's influence.

“Brussels and Washington are trying to resolve open issues in that region. This implies applying calm diplomacy, sometimes very loud and clear. I understand such a perception of reality, but those who do do do not understand the reasons that can motivate such an approach”, Countryman said.

Countryman spoke of the “Zer of America” in the debate margins in Washington, which the nongovernmental Atlantic Council organised under the rules of “chatham house” with members of the civil sector and journalists from the north of Kosovo for the possibility of de-progression. /Klankosova. tv