From a joint EU and US press release:
The European Union and the United States of America are concerned about the continued tense situation in the north of Kosovo.
We call on everyone to exercise maximum restraint, to take immediate action to unconditionally de-escalate the situation, and to refrain from provocations, threats, or intimidation.
We are working with President Vučić and Prime Minister Kurti to find a political solution in order to defuse the tensions and agree on the way forward in the interest of stability, safety and well-being of all local communities.
We welcome the assurances of the leadership of Kosovo confirming that no lists of Kosovo Serb citizens to be arrested or prosecuted for peaceful protests/barricades exist.
At the same time, rule of law must be respected, and any form of violence is unacceptable and will not be tolerated.
The United States of America will support the European Union’s work through its Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo (EULEX). EULEX, in line with its mandate, will continue to closely monitor all investigations and subsequent proceedings to promote respect for human rights.
This includes, in particular, fair trial guarantees, as well as protection and equal treatment for members of non-majority communities in Kosovo.
We also expect Kosovo and Serbia to return to fostering an environment conducive to reconciliation, regional stability, and cooperation for the benefit of their citizens. All Dialogue obligations must be fully implemented without delay.
Serbian security forces on the border with Kosovo have been placed on a state of ‘full combat readiness’, following weeks of escalating tensions.
Kosovo declared independence in 2008 but Serbia refuses to recognise this.
Read more: https://t.co/VHMUCorL1G pic.twitter.com/aCvZqbewIx
— Sky News (@SkyNews) December 27, 2022
Kosovo’s interior minister has accused Serbia, under the influence of Russia, of aiming to destabilize Kosovo by supporting members of the country’s ethnic Serb minority in weeks of protests and violence https://t.co/JPGd1q586l pic.twitter.com/8fCzYea8dL
— Reuters (@Reuters) December 27, 2022
‼️?? Serbian President Vučić said today that the situation in #Kosovo is related to the one in #Ukraine, that it’s been used as an excuse to try destroy #Serbia, and even if #Serbian authorities manage to overcome the issue this time, it will happen again. pic.twitter.com/Vs7iwzaeAe
— Maimunka News (@MaimunkaNews) December 28, 2022
Since the end of the Kosovo war in 1999, crises have come and gone in the country’s north. But this one feels more dangerous than usual https://t.co/WGhaNqVKEf
— Tim Judah (@timjudah1) December 27, 2022
Serbia and Kosovo have been at loggerheads after Kosovo moved to ban Serbian license plates last month. https://t.co/x3yehRWBm4
— DW News (@dwnews) December 27, 2022
Troubling events in the Balkans
EU and US issue joint demand for steps to “defuse the tension” as Kosovo closes key border crossing with Serbia after Belgrade puts troops on highest alerthttps://t.co/vhRJUtSejO
— Henry Foy (@HenryJFoy) December 28, 2022