Serbia, Eu flags (BETAPHOTO/European Commission/Etienne Ansotte/MO)
The "recent increase of inflammatory rhetoric" on the part of officials in Kosovo and Serbia, in particular the mentioning of war and conflict in the Western Balkans, are a cause for great concern, the European External Action Service said in a press release on Aug. 14.
Top officials on both sides will be considered responsible for any escalation leading to increased tension and potential violence in the region, the statement said. The EEAS urged both sides to "put an end to mutual hostilities and dangerous statements and act responsibly."
"All open issues will be addressed through the EU-facilitated Dialogue on normalization of relations between Kosovo and Serbia," the statement noted, adding that the EU expected Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic and Kosovo Premier Albin Kurti to discuss these topics in their upcoming meeting in Brussels, slated for Aug. 18.
Reaching a "comprehensive and legally binding agreement" on the full normalization of relations requires a "climate that contributes to restoring trust, reconciliation and good relations," with respect and the full implementation of earlier agreements, the EEAS press release read, adding that there was no place for actions or statements that were incompatible with the general interest and strategic goals of the region.
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