Escobar: Pristina's obligation to form the CSM; we want the process to happen faster

The US special envoy for the Western Balkans, Gabriel Escobar, said that the US expected the process of normalization of relations between Kosovo and Serbia to be completed as soon as possible and that the parties should commit to implementing the obligations they had agreed to, MINA reports.

He said that the dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina represented the historical development of relations between Serbia and Kosovo.

"The agreement on the normalization of relations, which under European conditions creates a peaceful, stable, and predictable relationship between two hostile neighboring states, is a remarkable achievement. It took a lot of political courage from both President Vucic and Prime Minister Kurti to reach that agreement," Escobar added.

He emphasized that it was a legally binding agreement.

"The Vice President of the European Commission, Josep Borrell, said that the agreement was legal and legally binding. And both leaders confirmed it. Now the question is how to fully implement it," Escobar said.

He stated that he was optimistic that "the goal will be reached", as well as he believed that both leaders could show the political will necessary to take the right steps.

"With Serbia, there are certain elements that must be fulfilled in terms of recognizing car registration plates, identity cards, and some other things. Kosovo is also expected to form the Community of Serb-majority Municipalities. I'm sorry, that's not an expectation, it's an obligation," Escobar said.

He said that the US wanted these processes to take place as quickly as possible.

"I don't see any reason why it couldn't be finished by the end of the summer," Escobar said.