Blinken: Kosovo Government's decision to force access to municipal buildings escalates tensions

US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, stated that both Kosovo and Serbia should immediately recommit to engaging in the EU-facilitated dialogue to normalize relations.

According to the statement from the State Department, Blinken called on all parties to take immediate actions to de-escalate tensions.

"The United States condemns the unacceptable violence against NATO-led KFOR troops, law enforcement authorities, and journalists," Blinken stated.

He added that the Kosovo Government's decision to force access to municipal buildings sharply and unnecessarily escalated tensions.

"Prime Minister Kurti and his government should ensure that elected mayors carry out their transitional duties from alternative locations outside municipal buildings and withdraw police forces from the vicinity. President Vucic and the Government of Serbia should lower the security status of Serbian Armed Forces and urge Kosovo Serbs to halt challenges to KFOR and refrain from further violence," Blinken emphasized.