Biden adviser tells Kurt about Serbia's military mobilization near the border, the White House gives details of conversation

The White House has come up with an announcement concerning the phone conversation President Joe Biden's National Security Affairs Adviser, Jake Sullivan, held last night with Prime Minister Albin Kurti.

Sullivan has reportedly voiced concern over Serbian military mobilization near the border with Kosovo.

He has cited NATO's recent decision to increase its presence in Kosovo, until he has said the dialogue mediated by the European Union is the only long-term solution to ensure stability throughout the country.

“Assistant President for National Security Affairs Jake Sullivan has talked to Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti on the phone today. Mr. Sullivan conveyed condolences for the loss of Kosovo police killed at the helm of office during violent attacks on September 24th. He also expressed concern for Serbian military mobilizations near the Kosovo border. He noted NATO's recent decisions to strengthen NATO forces' presence and activity in Kosovo (KFOR), especially in northern Kosovo, and underlined the willingness of the United States to work with our allies to ensure that KFOR has the resources needed to fulfill its mission. Also, Mr. Sullivan and Prime Minister Kurti discussed the EU-brokered dialogue between Kosovo and Serbia, for which Mr. Sullivan stressed that it is the only long-term solution to ensure stability throughout Kosovo”, the announcement said.

For this call, Kurt called last night. Kurti has said she has thanked him for supporting Kosovo's border security and demanding increased support against Serbia's plans for war.

The head of the Kosovo Government has said he has assured Joe Biden's adviser of Kosovo Police's continued co-operation with KFOR and that Kosovo's commitment to protecting all citizens is sustainable.

Otherwise, even the Coordinator for Strategic Communications at the US National Security Council, John Kirby, expressed Washington's concern, as he said, “the large deployment” of Serbia troops along the border with Kosovo.

“We are monitoring a major Serbian delocation along the Kosovo border that represents an unprecedented participation of Serbian artillery, tanks and infantry units. We believe this is a very destabilizing development. We call on Serbia to withdraw these forces from the border and contribute to the reduction of” tensions, Kirby said during a conversation with journalists on 29 September.

Kirby was asked whether this gathering of military troops near the border is the signal that Serbia is preparing for any military invasion.

We're watching it. But the goal [of gathering Serbian military troops] cannot now say”, he said.