Washington calls on Serbia to withdraw its military forces from the border with Kosova. National Security Council spokesperson, John Kirby said the United States is observing a large Serbian military buildup along the border with Kosova, including advanced artillery, tanks and mechanized military units, which he called “unprecedented.”

“This is a very destabilizing development that has taken place over the last week. We call on Serbia to withdraw its forces from the border to contribute to reducing tensions and attention,” said Mr. Kirby.

He added that US Secretary of State Blinken had a telephone conversation with the President of Serbia, Aleksandar Vucic, to convey “our [The US] concern about these incidents and to underline the immediate need to alleviate the situation and return to dialogue”.

Mr Kirby said he did not have any further details on the reasons for the gathering at the border, but: “We are following (the situation) and talking about it here today, to make it clear how concerned we are. One of the reasons why I wanted to mention it very clearly today and make public comments in addition to private conversations, is to urge the Serbs through diplomatic channels to withdraw those troops, because even just from their extent, their size and the presence of them, the situation is quite destabilizing.”

He said the United States is concerned about the worsening cycle of violence.

“Recently, the most disturbing incident was the one that happened a few days ago on September 24. That attack was well coordinated and planned,” he said.

Mr. Kirby said there is an active investigation into last weekend’s attack and that the United States wants Serbian authorities to cooperate with that investigation.

“The scale and scope of this attack, the number of vehicles involved and the types of ammunition and weapons clearly suggest a fairly high level of sophistication and equipment, even training,” he said.

“This is not an attack that was carried out without a plan or spontaneously by a small group and the types of weapons that were found pose a threat to the security of not only the KosovA forces, but also the international presence, including NATO forces,” he said. Mr. Kirby.

He said the United States expects “all those involved in this attack to be brought to Justice.”

Mr. Kirby said the United States is working with NATO allies to respond to efforts to destabilize Kosova and undermine security, and confirmed that NATO’s presence in northern Kosova and along the border will be increased.

“In the coming days, the United States will continue to consult closely with allies to ensure that the presence of peacekeeping forces is in proportion with the threat posed there,” he said.

Meanwhile, Mr. Kirby said that National Security Advisor, Jake Sullivan has spoken with the Prime Minister of Kosova, Albin Kurti to discuss these developments and to emphasize the importance of dialogue.

“The United States continues to work intensively with our European partners, asking both Kosova and Serbia to return to the dialogue for peace under the format mediated by the European Union,” he said. Mr. Kirby said that both countries must fulfill their existing commitments and engage in this process in good faith.

“Both countries must also avoid taking provocative steps that only increase tension and hinder progress in that dialogue, steps like the one we’re seeing with this gathering from Serbia at the border. Progress on the diplomatic front is critical to long-term stability in the region and to avoid any further violence and bloodshed.”  

(According to VOA)