Brussels 18 August : Josep Borrell, the European Union’s (EU) foreign policy chief, has on Thursday begun high-level talks about the crisis between Kosovo and Serbia in Brussels in the EU’s foreign policy office, urging both sides to be flexible. “Recent tensions in the north of Kosovo have proven again that it is the right time to begin the process of achieving full normalisation” Borell said in tweet.
In the hope of positive developments, Borrell called on both Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic and Prime Minister of Kosovo, Albin Kurti, “to be open and open to finding an agreement”.
Two Balkan leaders arrived in Brussels for talks with the EU after having a separate having a meeting with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg on Wednesday to discuss recent tensions.
The NATO chief was the host of talks following a dispute over car license plates and identification documents in the latter part of July ended in shots fired and barricades close to the border between Kosovo and Serbia.
KFOR the peacekeeping mission of NATO in Kosovo comprising about 4000 troops, stated in the response that it is keeping an eye on the situation and was ready to step in “if stability is threatened”.
While expressing gratitude for the improved situation Stoltenberg stated that KFOR “will adopt any measure that is required to ensure a secure and secure environment as well as freedom of movement for all citizens of Kosovo.”
Kosovo is comprised of ethnic Albanians was split from Serbia in 1999 and declared its independence in 2008.
Serbia has not recognized Kosovo’s independence, and continues to claim the territory.The majority of NATO as well as EU countries recognise Kosovo as a distinct state.
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