Congresswoman Tenney: Recent violence in northern Kosovo is horrific; I appreciate Vucic’s quick condemnation

Co-chair of the Serbian Caucus, Congresswoman Claudia Tenney, condemned the recent incidents in the village of Banjska and stated that she sincerely appreciated the quick condemnation of the attack by Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic.

"The recent violence in northern Kosovo is horrific, and I sincerely appreciate Aleksandar Vucic for his quick condemnation of the attack. Albin Kurti must fulfill his obligations under the Brussels Agreement of 2013 and establish the Community of Serb-majority Municipalities to de-escalate tensions," Tenney wrote on the social network "X" alongside her full statement.

In her statement, Congresswoman Tenney emphasized that the Governments of Serbia and Kosovo must refrain from rhetoric and actions that could further escalate tensions.

"I have been concerned for months about the potential for an escalation of violence and the treatment of Kosovo Serbs by Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti. That's why earlier this month, I sent a letter to Prime Minister Kurti urging him to de-escalate tensions and preserve the rights of Kosovo Serbs," she recalled.

She once again called for the full protection of the human and political rights of all minorities in Kosovo, especially the Serbian civilian minority population, while simultaneously urging Kosovo Prime Minister Kurti to adhere to his existing obligations under the Brussels Agreement of 2013.

"This includes finally establishing the Community of Serb-majority Municipalities. Both sides must continue to work together towards a peaceful resolution of this long-standing dispute. The Biden administration should also ensure that America continues to engage constructively and proactively in the region to advance peace among all parties, building on the successes of the previous administration," she concluded.

According to her, it is long past time for both sides to return to the negotiating table and make diplomatic progress that encompasses a shared vision of a stable, secure, and prosperous Western Balkans region.