Escobar: CSM will happen; the only question is whether with this Kosovo government or a future one

US Special Representative for the Western Balkans Gabriel Escobar stated today in Belgrade that the situation in northern Kosovo must be immediately de-escalated, which, as he said, means that newly elected Albanian mayors should not perform their duties from municipal buildings, Kosovo Police members should withdraw from those buildings, and citizen protests should be halted.

Speaking to the media at the US Embassy in Belgrade, Escobar mentioned that both the US and the EU are hopeful for new elections and want Serbs to participate in them.

"The biggest challenge for Serbia is to convince Serbs to return to the institutions. President Aleksandar Vucic has stated that he will use his influence to ensure Serb participation in the elections," Escobar said, who met with the President of Serbia together with EU Special Representative for Dialogue Miroslav Lajcak last night.

Regarding the question of the Community of Serb Municipalities, he said that it will happen.

"The only question is whether it will happen with this Kosovo Government or a future one. The CSM is a demand that the Government of Kosovo should fulfill. It is stated in the Brussels Agreement, the conclusions of the EU Council, and the Ohrid Agreement. It is not an agreement between Kurti and Serbia but between Kosovo and Serbia," Escobar explained.

He emphasized that the Ohrid Agreement is very important agreement on normalization between Serbia and Kosovo, emphasizing the obligations of both sides.

"We want both parties to come together and focus on the implementation plan and the formation of the CSM. I believe we can have the majority of the elements accomplished by the end of the year," Escobar stated.

When asked by journalists about the timeframe for the three demands, including new elections, whether it might be around mid-July or later, Escobar replied, "It certainly will not wait until July."

"Therefore, I believe the biggest challenge for Serbia is to convince Serbs in Kosovo to return to institutions. That is something where we are aligned with Serbia. We need to ensure that Serbs participating in elections and returning to institutions are welcomed," Escobar noted.

He mentioned that he expects the dialogue between EU Special Representative for Dialogue Miroslav Lajcak and the government in Pristina to continue even after he leaves Belgrade.

"I don't know if there has been any reaction from the Government of Kosovo so far. I hope they will recognize that there is a consequence, as I indicated. Turning their back on the European proposal means turning their back on the European Union, and there is also the United Kingdom and the United States. That, in itself, is a very serious consequence. As their friends, we encourage them to cooperate, coordinate, and align with us to achieve regional stability," Escobar stated.

He pointed out that the partnership between the US and the EU is open to Kosovo, but if they continue with unilateral actions, they distance themselves from that partnership.

"And that is also one of the consequences," Escobar added.

He clarified that he had not given any specific deadlines in Pristina or Belgrade regarding when the US and EU demands for de-escalation of the crisis should be met.

"Both Lajcak and I will submit reports after these visits. On Friday, I will submit a report to the White House on whether there has been any progress or not. Lajcak will submit a report to Borrell. It's not a deadline, but it is the next step for me, and based on my report, we will decide on the next steps," Escobar explained.

At the beginning of his statement, Escobar expressed that the US is interested in deepening relations with Serbia and strengthening cooperation in all areas, particularly the economy.

Lajcak and Escobar also visited Pristina on Monday and Tuesday, where they met with Kosovo's Prime Minister Albin Kurti, President Vjosa Osmani, as well as representatives of the Serb List and the Kosovo opposition.