EU, US call on Belgrade, Pristina to act towards de-escalation

BRUSSELS - The EU and the US on Wednesday voiced concern over the "continued tense situation in the north of Kosovo" and called for restraint.

A joint statement released by the EU press service and the US State Department urged "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 Vucic and PM 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 statement said.

"The United States of America will support the European Union through its Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo (EULEX), in line with its mandate, which can 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," the statement also said, noting that "all Dialogue obligations must be fully implemented without delay."