EU, U.S. Concerned Over Situation in Northern Kosovo, Call for Restraint

Josep Borrell (BETAPHOTO/European Council/Zucchi Enzo/DS)

The EU and U.S. expressed concern on Dec. 28 over the ongoing tensions in northern Kosovo and called on everyone to show maximum restraint, urgently take measures to de-escalate the situation and refrain from provocation, threats and intimidation.

The spokesman of the European foreign minister, Josep Borrell, and the deputy spokesman of the U.S. Department of State, Ned Price, declared in a joint statement that the EU and U.S. were working with Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic and Kosovo Premier Albin Kurti on "finding a political solution with the aim of reducing tension and reaching agreement on further steps, in the interest of stability, security and well-being of all local communities," the European External Action Service has announced.

"We welcome the assurances of Kosovo's leadership about the non-existence of the lists of Serbs who would be arrested and prosecuted over peaceful protests/barricades. At the same time, the rule of law must be honored and any form of violence is unacceptable and will not be tolerated," the joint statement reads.

The U.S. will support the European Union's work through its EULEX mission, which will continue to closely monitor all investigations and subsequent proceedings, with the aim of promoting of honoring of human rights, in keeping with its mandate. The U.S. and EU expect Kosovo and Serbia to begin creating the atmosphere conducive to reconciliation, regional stability and cooperation, for the benefit of their people, the two spokesmen said, adding that all obligations from the dialogue had to be implemented fully and without delay.