Statement on Recent Tensions in Kosovo

Kosovo police secure the area as Ethnic Serbs gathered on barricades near the northern Kosovo border crossing of Jarinje on the ninth day of protest on Tuesday, Sept. 28, 2021. (AP Photo/Visar Kryeziu)

Statement on Recent Tensions in Kosovo

As delivered by Chargé d’Affaires Courtney Austrian
to the Permanent Council, Vienna
September 30, 2021

Thank you, Mr. Chair.

The U.S. Department of State’s Deputy Assistant Secretary for European and Eurasian Affairs, Gabriel Escobar, supported the discussions in Brussels this week.

We support the EU’s facilitation of discussions this week on this issue and applaud Kosovo and Serbia for reaching an agreement and engaging openly, seriously, and immediately.

The United States continues to encourage closer regional cooperation to address barriers to free movement, trade, and investment in the Western Balkans.

Thank you, Mr. Chair.

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