Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs, James O’Brien, when asked about the security situation in the Western Balkans, stated that the main risks are northern Kosovo and the threat of the secession of parts of Bosnia-Herzegovina.

Regarding the situation in northern Kosovo, O’Brien expressed that authorities are working to address the risks of violence, adding that “we have an opportunity for political processes that will address the causes of violence.”

Furthermore, O’Brien stated that the peacekeeping forces of KFOR in Kosovo and the EUFOR mission in Bosnia are prepared to prevent local gangs from causing violence.

“The primary threat is northern Kosovo and the threat of secession of parts of Bosnia-Herzegovina. KFOR and EUFOR in Bosnia-Herzegovina are there to prevent local gangs. We have good cooperation with Serbs and Kosovo. Authorities are working to address the risks of violence in the north, and I think we have an opportunity for political processes that will address the causes of violence,” said O’Brien.

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