The US Assistant Secretary of State for Europe and Eurasia, James O’Brien, stated that Washington will not allow violent events to repeat in the north of Kosovo, referring here to the events in Banjska last September.

Therefore, O’Brien called on Kosovo and Serbia to avoid provocative actions in the north of Kosovo inhabited by a Serbian majority.

“Our position on Kosovo and Serbia has not changed. We strongly support the dialogue led by the EU and Miroslav Lajcak. I call on Serbia and Kosovo to take their share of responsibility within the dialogue. There has been progress in recent months regarding everyday issues, such as license plates and customs documents, enabling freedom of movement”, O’Brien said during an online briefing with journalists.

He emphasized the importance of Serbia and Kosovo avoiding provocative actions in the north, pointing out that NATO’s presence had been strengthened.

O’Brien reiterated that the US supports the dialogue process between Kosovo and Serbia, which is mediated by the European Union, while asking the parties to fulfill their responsibilities.

“The United States supports the dialogue between Kosovo and Serbia, led by the European Union, and both sides must fulfill their obligations in this process and avoid provocations in the north, James O’Brien, the Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs said

He emphasized the importance of Serbia and Kosovo avoiding provocative actions in the north, pointing out that NATO’s presence had been strengthened.

“We are satisfied with the communication and cooperation between the Kosovo Police and EULEX in the north. Cooperation with KFOR is good. Also, communication and cooperation with Belgrade have contributed to calming the situation. We expect this to continue, along with more transparency and dialogue in the coming months, which is especially important after the events in Banjska at the end of September when a group tried to seize a large number of weapons, which would have caused violence if they had been able to carry out their plans”, O’Brien said.

He stated that both sides understood that such an incident would not be allowed to happen again.

In this regard, he stated that the United States welcomed changes in the Serbian administration as a step forward in stabilizing the situation in northern Kosovo.

When it comes to elections in Serbia, O’Brien stated that it was important for institutions, including parliament, to involve opposition representatives.

“We support peaceful protests by citizens who believe that the elections are unfair. They have the right to peaceful protest. However, we want every concern to be expressed through the legal process, and clear election reports to be provided. We will work with the Government of Serbia on all concerns expressed by ODIHR”, O’Brien said.

He noted that the elections had brought about certain changes, such as parties that had only offered nationalism would not be a part of the next parliament.

“Opposition groups have gained more support. For me, these two things mean that we now have a potential ruling coalition that is quite clear and responsible for achieving results”, he said.

O’Brien also emphasized that the Western Balkans must be European, stable, and safe, primarily through economic integration, stating that the biggest challenge in the region was the departure of a large number of citizens to the EU or elsewhere.

“We are encouraged by the fact that the EU is committed and engaged. The EU accession process means preparing for entry into the economic union and making political decisions. The growth plan focuses on the first component, offering participation in certain parts of the common market. When states implement reforms, and ensure the fulfillment of the four basic freedoms, it is an important step for inclusion in the single market. This is a significant change in the relationship between the EU and the Western Balkans, which will happen when each country implements reforms”, the US official said.

O’Brien was part of the American delegation during the negotiations in Rambouillet between Kosovo and Serbia in 1999. From 2022, Jim O’Brian worked as the head of the Sanctions Coordination Office, with the rank of ambassador, at the US Department of State.

/k.s/