Congressman Kean: The Committee concerned as  the Community of Serbian Municipalities has not been formed yet

Chairman of the Committee for Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives in Washington, Congressman Thomas Kean, said today that the Committee was concerned that the Community of Serbian Municipalities was not yet formed in Kosovo.

At the session dedicated to the Western Balkans, Kean pointed out that the USA had already contributed to the progress of the region towards Euro-Atlantic integration with investments for three decades, adding, however, that he was worried about the growth of Russian and Chinese influence, which was why appropriate measures were needed.

He emphasized that the two key pillars of preserving the stability of the region were the normalization of relations between Kosovo and Serbia and the protection of the multi-ethnic and unique character of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Kean pointed out that the EU had an important role in stabilizing the region, but also added that the Union's efforts were complicated, due to the principle of decision-making by consensus, as well as the fact that five member states had not recognized Kosovo.

"That's why the US must play a leading role in the Western Balkans," Kean emphasized.

He underlined that there was no more important issue in the region than the normalization of relations between Kosovo and Serbia.

"Violent protests in the north of Kosovo threatened to endanger the stability of the entire region. Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti took uncoordinated actions, acting destabilizingly. But the violent behavior of the Serbian demonstrators, who injured the KFOR members, must also be condemned, as well as the direct and indirect role of Belgrade," Kean emphasized.

The congressman underlined that the special forces of the Kosovo police must be withdrawn from municipalities with a Serb majority.

He appealed to the American authorities to influence the Kosovo Serbs to participate in the new elections in the north of Kosovo.

At the same time, he expressed the Committee's concern over the fact that the Community of Serbian Municipalities has not yet been formed.

"If Kosovo engages in de-escalation, the US will exert the same pressure on Belgrade, as it is now exerting on Pristina, in order to fulfill its obligations, especially regarding Kosovo's membership in international organizations," explained Kean.

The congressman expressed his regret that the Washington Agreement on Economic Cooperation was not being implemented, which, as he emphasized, could have contributed to progress in the political field as well.

Kean underlined that Kosovo was an important partner for the USA, but also that Serbia was a key partner in the region.

However, he stated that Serbia did not join the sanctions against Russia, but he expressed his gratitude for the support of Ukraine in the UN and for the reception of numerous Ukrainian refugees.

He pointed out that tensions were growing in other parts of the region, especially mentioning Milorad Dodik, accusing him of undermining the Dayton Agreement.

"More sanctions are needed, now," said Congressman Kean.

Regarding Montenegro, he said that the USA was waiting for a new government, from which they had high expectations, especially in the fight against organized crime.