In the House of Representatives of the US Congress, the hearing on the Western Balkans has ended, where the only witness is Gabriel Escobar, US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State. The investigation was organized within the Subcommittee on Europe in the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and it is chaired by Republican Thomas Keen, reports Kossev.
In his opening address, Kane stated that three decades of investment and work on democracy in the region have led to some improvements, but that there are problems.
"There is nothing resembling the normalization of relations between Serbia and Kosovo." "The current approach of the US has failed to bring down tensions," Kane said.
He added that the administration does not respond sufficiently to the situations that Belgrade is behind, and they are related to the protests in which KFOR soldiers are killed.
"I want the Serbian community and Belgrade to get involved and enable new elections in the north of Kosovo," Kane said.
"I want to know that there is pressure from the EU and the US for Kurti to fulfill the obligation to form the Association of Serbian Municipalities, and also to stop the pressure on Kosovo not to join international bodies."
Escobar reminds us of the European plan
Escobar explained to the congressmen that the USA, together with the EU, called for an immediate de-escalation in the North of Kosovo, including the holding of new municipal and mayoral elections in four majority-Serb municipalities in the North of Kosovo, and that the parties should refocus on the implementation of the agreement from February, that is, March .
He also reminded them of the three-point European plan for de-escalation, which, in addition to the removal of the special police and the withdrawal of Serbian demonstrators, also includes the initiation of new elections, but with the participation of Serbs, without conditions, and then a return to dialogue.
"We received Serbia's commitment that they will shelter the participants of the protest and that they will fully participate in the elections," said Escobar, adding that the Kosovo side has not yet "fully committed".
He added that he regrets that Serbia did not impose sanctions on Russia, but also that it is commendable that the country is accepting Ukrainian refugees.
"The decision to introduce sanctions." Aleksandar Vulin is a reminder that Russian malignant influence in Serbia will not be tolerated," said Kane, adding that on the other hand, Milorad Dodik's attack on the Constitutional Court of Bosnia and Herzegovina, as a threat to peace, did not have a serious American response.
Pristina did not fulfill the only request of the USA
In his longer presentation, Escobar spoke about all the support of the USA when it comes to the Kosovo side, stressing that this was done despite the opposition of Serbia.
Despite objections from the official Belgrade, they recognized the new elections.
"We recognized the legitimacy of the election despite Serbia's complaints that voter turnout was very low." "We recognized the power that mayors have, despite Serbia's objections," Escobar said.
What was the only request of the USA, he said, was that Pristina does not try to appoint mayors by force.
On the other hand, he pointed out that they were very "firm" towards Belgrade, and that Serbia will face "consequences" if it opposes the elections.
"It did not diminish the legitimacy of the Kosovo authorities, but in the meantime, we were very firm towards Serbia when it comes to the conditions in which we demand participation in what is a democratic process in Kosovo." So we got a pledge that they will not oppose it and there will be consequences for Serbia if it opposes it," said Escobar, adding that, together with the European Union, they will continue to work to ensure that the three-point plan is implemented. .
ZS/Kossev/Voice of America
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