In a special online briefing held at the State Department’s Brussels Media Hub, Deputy Assistant Secretary Gabriel Escobar from the Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs addressed the current crisis between Serbia and Kosovo. The briefing aimed to provide updates on the escalating tensions and shed light on the United States’ position and proposed solutions.
DAS Escobar began by acknowledging the difficult conditions faced by the region due to the ongoing crisis. He mentioned that the case of the three arrested police officers in Serbia was being closely monitored. While a full statement was being withheld until all the facts were gathered, two likely scenarios were under consideration. Either the officers were abducted inside Kosovo territory and taken to Serbia, or they unintentionally crossed the boundary and found themselves inside Serbian territory. In either case, it was emphasized that the police officers had no intention of being in Serbia and should be released. The parties were urged to collaborate with international authorities in Kosovo to establish the facts before making a formal statement. DAS Escobar also highlighted that the current crisis should not dictate the overall state of relations between Serbia and Kosovo. He mentioned a three-point European plan aimed at de-escalating the crisis caused by the inauguration of mayors and associated protests. The United States’ position aligned with that of the European Union, emphasizing the need for mayors to work from alternate locations, withdrawal of special police from municipal buildings, for protesters to depart the streets, holding accountable those who committed violent acts against KFOR or Kosovo police, and conducting early elections with the unconditional participation of Serbs.
Furthermore, immediate engagement in dialogue was stressed to ensure the implementation of the Ohrid Agreement, which held the potential to stabilize the relationship between Serbia and Kosovo. During the question and answer session, DAS Escobar responded to various inquiries. When asked about the possibility of sanctions, he clarified that the use of the word “sanctions” was inappropriate at the moment, but consequences could be expected for those who rejected partnership and regional stability. He emphasized that Russia’s influence, although taking advantage of the situation, was not the root cause of the conflict. Rather, it was a failure of inter-ethnic reconciliation between Serbia and Kosovo, with unilateral actions from the government of Kosovo exacerbating the situation. Regarding practical logistics, DAS Escobar highlighted that the process should primarily be handled within the framework of the European Union, as the common aspiration of both countries was to join the EU.
He expressed willingness to provide strong American support within that context. He also mentioned the possibility of attending a meeting in Brussels depending on the ongoing preparations.
When asked about the association between Serbia and Kosovo, DAS Escobar emphasized that it was a legally binding obligation between the two parties, as well as an obligation towards the European Union. He urged Kosovo to acknowledge its legal requirements and work towards shaping the association within the framework of European policies.
He stated that rejecting the association would hinder Kosovo’s European path. In response to questions regarding the ban on Serbian goods and criticism of the international community and KFOR by Kosovo Prime Minister Kurti, DAS Escobar expressed support for lifting the ban and reopening the border. He also emphasized the need for investigations to conclude before making judgments. Despite the challenges and recent escalations, DAS Escobar maintained optimism about reaching an agreement between Kosovo and Serbia.
He highlighted the potential benefits of the agreement for Kosovo’s integration into European and Euro-Atlantic structures. Addressing concerns about Serbia’s recognition of Kosovo, he emphasized that the agreement required Serbia to recognize Kosovo’s territorial integrity, administrative control, sovereignty, and national symbols, among other aspects. The briefing concluded with further discussions and clarifications on various topics related to the crisis, demonstrating the United States’ commitment to regional stability and resolving the tensions between Serbia and Kosovo.
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