Balkans | The Netherlands and Luxembourg call for the continuation of the dialogue between Serbia and Kosovo

It called on the Netherlands and Luxembourg to reduce the ongoing tension between the two Balkan states, Serbia and Kosovo, as soon as possible, and to continue the dialogue.

Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte and Luxembourg Prime Minister Xavier Bettel held a joint press conference with President Aleksandar Vucic as part of their visit to Belgrade, the capital of Serbia.

Rutte stated that they were concerned about the escalation of tensions between Kosovo and Serbia and said, “Both sides should take steps to reduce tensions and continue dialogue under the roof of the European Union.” He said.

Ruti said that the Federation of Municipalities of Serbia should be established within the scope of the agreement between Serbia and Kosovo and that they will discuss this issue during their visit to Pristina, the capital of Kosovo, tomorrow.

Referring to the importance of reducing tension between Kosovo and Serbia, Betil said: “We discussed the tension. The situation is still a powder keg. We encouraged the continuation of the dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina.” He rated it.

On the other hand, Vucic stressed that he expects the Federation of Serbian Municipalities not to take place under the current conditions of dialogue with Pristina, and said that his country will do its best to maintain peace and stability.

Tensions in northern Kosovo have been going on for a month

On May 26, Kosovo Serbs protested against the election of Albanian mayors who won local elections on April 23 in the municipalities of Zvecan, Zubin Potok and Leposavić, where Serbs are concentrated in northern Kosovo.

There was a clash between the Kosovo police, who were sent to the area to protect the Albanian mayors, and the Kosovo Serbs.

Serbia detained 3 people, proven to be members of the Kosovo police, in the border area of ​​the two countries on the grounds that they were “planning an action in Serbia” on June 14, while Kosovo claimed that the police had been “kidnapped”. From Serbia. Serbia released the Kosovo police on June 26.

While the Kosovo police arrested about 10 Kosovo Serbs for various reasons, Serbia demanded that these people be released as soon as possible.

The main cause of tension between the two countries, which come face to face at regular intervals, is expressed in Serbia’s vision of Kosovo, which unilaterally declared its independence in 2008, as its own territory.

Within the scope of the Belgrade-Pristina dialogue process, initiated in 2011 with the mediation of the European Union, efforts are being made to find a common way to normalize relations and eventually for the two countries to get to know each other.

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