Assistant Secretary Donfried: Kosovo-Serbia to reengage in Dialogue

English

Gazeta Express

26/04/2022 9:51

Assistant Secretary for the Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs Dr. Karen Donfried has visited Kosovo Monday as part of her Western Balkan tour. She said in Pristina that the only way to prevent Russian influence in the Western Balkan is concluding the dialogue between Kosovo and Serbia, Gazeta Express reports.

Donfired said that the US will continue supporting Kosovo’s European and Euro-Atlantic integration process. Addressing media after meeting Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti, Assistant Secretary said that the US want to see Kosovo taking its place in European and Euro-Atlantic institutions.

“The status-quo is unsustainable. Not only does it hinder Kosovo and Serbia’s European future, but it benefits for Kremlin. Russia wants to ruin unity and democratic consolidation in the Western Balkans, ensuring that you and your neighbors can not and do not integrate into European and Euro-Atlantic institutions,” Donfried said.

“The best way to counteract the Kremlin’s efforts to destabilise the region is simple, Kosovo and Serbia must come together and urgently reengage in the EU-facilitated Dialogue with robust US support,” she said. “Our goal is your goal, it is an agreement that normalizes relations centered on mutual recognition. Urgent, creative, and flexible engagement, and sincere good faith effort by both Kosovo and Serbia would be the lasting benefits for all citizens, including economic growth and long-term stability,” Donfried said.

During her visit to Kosovo Donfried met also President Vjosa Osmani and leaders of opposition parties. Assistant Secretary for the Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs Dr. Karen Donfried after visiting Kosovo has travelled to Serbia and will continue her tour by visiting Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, and North Macedonia. /GazetaExpress/