EU warning to Kosovo: Europe cannot afford a new conflict

The High Representative of the European Union (EU) for Foreign Relations and Security Policy, Josep Borrell, affirmed that he is working for a high-level meeting between the leaders of Kosovo and Serbia after the escalation of tensions in northern Kosovo, and He said that Europe cannot allow a new conflict.

Prior to his meeting with Montenegrin President Jakov Milatovic in Brussels, Borrell made a statement on the events that led to the escalation of tensions in northern Kosovo. Stating that the EU condemns all acts of violence, Borrell stated that he supports NATO’s Kosovo Peacekeeping Force (KFOR).

Borrell, the Prime Minister of Kosovo, Albin Kurti, stated that he had telephone conversations with Serbian President Aleksander Vucic this morning and said: “I called on both sides to take the necessary measures to reduce tensions immediately and without preconditions. All kinds of unilateral steps must be avoided and calm must be restored.

Noting that, in the first stage, they expect the Kosovo Police to stop the Kosovo Police operations in the northern Kosovo townships and the withdrawal of the Serb protesters, Borrell said:

“The EU expects the parties to act responsibly and urgently return to the EU-facilitated dialogue to find a durable solution that will ensure an environment that guarantees the safety of citizens in northern Kosovo, paving the way for the implementation of the new agreement on the road to normalization. I’m working to set up a high-level rush meeting for this. I have asked my assistant secretary general for security and defense, Charles Fries, to go to Kosovo for this purpose, and now he is in Kosovo.”

Borrell also stated that EU members were informed on the issue and discussed possible steps that could be taken today, adding that “There has been enough violence in Europe. We cannot afford a new conflict. “I hope my words are heard and people act accordingly,” he said. (AA)