Verma: Hopefully for a degree of normalisation between Kosovo and Serbia that would lead to mutual recognition

Verma reiterated support for Brussels' dialogue, which said it is important that the parties fulfil the pledges they made years ago.

I think we all hope for a degree of normalisation that would lead to mutual recognition. But, to get to that point, some steps must be taken, and I believe that the process of dialogue, mediated by the EU, will lead to that point, if properly applied”, he said.

Kosovo and Serbia hold dialogue on normalisation of reports since 2011. In 2023, the parties reached the agreement on the road to normalisation of reports and Anex for its implementation.

The 11 provisions agreement, among other things, envisions a level of self-awareness for the Serb community in Kosovo, mutual recognition of state symbols, so that Serbia does not block Kosovo's membership in international organisations, and calls for Pristina and Belgrade to implement, as well, all previous agreements reached during dialogue.

However, this agreement, according to the EU, has not started to be implemented by the parties.

Asked about guarantees the international community could grant Kosovo if it implements its part of the agreement, Verma said this pact is binding, despite Serbia's expressing reservations for it.

Belgrade has refused to sign this agreement, but the EU has said it is responsible for the parties.

“We believe the terms of the agreement are legally binding and both countries have pledged for the principles of this agreement. So what I think is in the interest not only of bilateral relations between Serbia and Kosovo, but also of regional security, as well as of the people who wish the two countries would be able to sit down and work on resolving the issue”, the senior American official said in an interview for KTV.

Last year, Kosovo Government led by Albin Kurti faced criticism from Washington due to several actions in northern Kosovo, which the US and the EU described as unilateral actions.

Former US Ambassador to Kosovo Jeff Havenier, who completed his mandate several days earlier, had declared earlier that the US was challenged by Prime Minister Albin Kurti and his government in some respects.

He has said that the quality of partnership between the US and Kosovo “is not what we would hope to be on some of these issues related to the way he handles the north and how he manages the dialog”.

Verma said that when Washington and Pristina have challenges and disputes, “we openly talk about them”.

And I mentioned that sometimes unilateral actions -- for example, like closing some institutions -- can also send the wrong signal where Kosovo Serbs adapt to society and I think this has been challenging for continued progress in the relaxed discussion between the two states. We have an important and stable pledge to the people of Kosovo, and this will continue”, he said, adding that the meetings he conducted during the day with Kurti and President Vjosa Osmani were very good “ ”.

Verma is visiting Kosovo as part of the tour being held in the Western Balkans, where she stayed in Albania on Thursday, while on Saturday she will end it with a stop in Serbia, the US State Department reported.

Vermas's visit is under way ten days before the Biden administration completes its mandate and President-elect Donald Trump returns to the White House.