Balkans | The European Union and NATO are satisfied with the de-escalation in northern Kosovo

The European Union and NATO expressed their satisfaction with the removal of barriers in northern Kosovo that caused tension between Kosovo and Serbia.

In his statement on the matter, the EU High Representative for External Relations and Security Policy, Josep Borrell, stated that diplomacy had prevailed in de-escalating tensions in northern Kosovo.

“Violence can never be the solution.” Borrell said Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic and Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti had shown leadership by acting responsibly and expressed his satisfaction.

Borrell stressed that the European Union is working with the United States of America and NATO, and that the Belgrade-Pristina dialogue between Kosovo and Serbia must be urgently strengthened.

NATO spokeswoman Oana Lungescu also stated that she welcomes efforts to reduce tensions and expects the parties to comply with their obligations.

Noting that the NATO Peacekeeping Force in Kosovo (KFOR) is closely monitoring the situation in the region, Lungescu reiterated that KFOR is ready to intervene when necessary, with the mandate it receives from the United Nations.

Tensions between Kosovo and Serbia

Tensions between Kosovo and Serbia escalated after Kosovo police detained former Serbian police officer Dejan Pantec. In response to Bantik’s detention, Kosovo Serbs have been standing guard at roadblocks they have set up at border crossings since 10 December.

Following the call of Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic yesterday, after the arrest warrant for Pantec turned into house arrest, the removal of barricades in northern Kosovo began.

The European Union, NATO and the United States of America called for de-escalation and the removal of roadblocks in northern Kosovo. Serbia has asked the NATO peacekeeping force in Kosovo (KFOR) to deploy Serbian army and police in northern Kosovo.

Serbia considers Kosovo, which unilaterally declared its independence in 2008, to be its territory.

Serbia and Kosovo, which clash periodically, are trying to find a common way to normalize relations, and eventually the two countries get to know each other, within the scope of the Belgrade-Pristina dialogue process initiated in 2011 with the mediation of the European Union.

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