Blinken: Dialogue with EU mediation the only path for Kosovo and Serbia

The dialogue mediated by the European Union is the only way for Kosovo and Serbia to move towards integration, and that is the path supported by the United States, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said today in Tirana, Reporteri reports.

Blinken, at a joint press conference with Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama, said that the Balkans had been a challenge since he had begun working at the State Department 30 years ago.

"First Bosnia and Herzegovina, then Kosovo. Many of us have a long history with Kosovo," Blinken added.

He emphasized that the United States was committed to supporting efforts to enhance the integration of Balkan countries.

"The EU-mediated dialogue is the only viable path for Kosovo and Serbia. Congratulations on Albania's role, which has demonstrated its ability to contribute to regional stability," Blinken said.

Edi Rama said that the Albanians in Kosovo should not forget that without the United States, they would not have an independent state and appealed to Kosovo not to take any steps regarding dialogue with Serbia without consulting allies, as it was in their interest and the interest of all.

"Without this, actions may gain some votes today, by turning foreign policy into an instrument of domestic politics, but the future is uncertain," Rama said.

He said that he had discussed the region with Blinken, considering they shared the same concerns.

"Albania's policy is to reach out to all countries in the region; we want the region to move forward. We will continue to promote dialogue between Kosovo and Serbia. The United States has been and will remain an unwavering supporter of Kosovo. It is good for the Albanians not to forget that without the United States, there would be no independent Kosovo. We regret every time we see a step backward. We are aware that it is difficult, that the wounds of those living in Kosovo are not so distant," Rama said.

He also said that the attack in Banjska had shown that Serbia did not always help in that process, but Kosovo must be aware that it needed to progress in meeting the demands of its allies, which were not imposed on Kosovo.

"These demands enable the creation of a situation that uplifts Kosovo and helps Kosovo gain more respect and trust from our partners. Without these allies, our future is threatened," Rama said.