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The American envoy for the Western Balkans, Gabriel Escobar, has said that he has received commitments that Serbia will not oppose the upcoming elections in northern Kosovo and that Serbia will face consequences if it does otherwise.
He made these statements before the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives in the United States, as he discussed the security and stability of the Western Balkans and the approach of the United States to this region.
Speaking about the recent tensions in the north of Kosovo, he said that the United States is committed to expansion and that they are working to advance the Western Balkan states towards European and transatlantic integration.
Escobar has said that he hopes for significant progress this year between Kosovo and Serbia.
He focused especially on the Ohrid Agreement - reached between Kosovo and Serbia in March of this year - saying that it offers extraordinary opportunities for the two countries to establish peaceful relations with each other.
" The agreement requires Serbia to recognize the sovereignty of Kosovo and its territorial integrity. To recognize national symbols, the flag, government documents, diplomas, car license plates and forbids Serbia to block Kosovo's membership in international organizations. Kosovo is asked to implement the obligation it has for the formation of the Association of municipalities with a Serbian majority. We believe that both countries should immediately engage in these aspects, without preconditions. They must start doing their part ", said Escobar.
He also said that no sanctions have been imposed on Kosovo, but measures have been taken. Escobar added that they want to see more commitment from Kosovo for the fulfillment of the EU's three-point plan for the extension of the situation in the north.
" We have not received full commitment from Kosovo, but we agree with Kosovo on many democratic standards that they want to apply. We also agree with Kosovo that those who attack journalists and KFOR should be punished, but we still expect to see convergence on the EU relief plan. We will work with the Government of Kosovo to convince them that it is in their interest to work with the US, the UK, NATO, the EU, QUINT, North Macedonia and Albania, which is also part of the process ", he said.
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