French Embassy: Actions in the north harm normalization efforts

The French Embassy in Pristina stated that the actions of the Kosovo Government in the north, which led to the closure of Serbian Social Work Centers, are damaging efforts to normalize relations between Kosovo and Serbia, RTV 21 reports.

France also insists that discussions regarding Serbian structures in the north should take place in Brussels. As stated in the embassy’s response to RTV 21, the EU’s special representative for the Belgrade-Pristina dialogue, Peter Sorensen, is ready to facilitate these talks.

“We believe that the issue of structures supported by Serbia should be resolved within the framework of the EU-supported dialogue, and we fully agree with the statements made by the EU spokesperson, as quoted below: ‘The closure of existing structures that provide essential social services to Kosovo Serbs and other communities, without a previously agreed alternative arrangement, negatively impacts daily life and normal living conditions. These issues should be addressed through negotiations between the parties.’ The EU’s special representative for the Belgrade-Pristina dialogue, Peter Sorensen, is ready to facilitate talks,” the French Embassy stated.

Additionally, the French Embassy in Kosovo announced that the EULEX mission is awaiting further details to verify facts regarding the Kosovo police operation.

“We have noted that the Kosovo police have conducted new operations against structures supported by Serbia in northern Kosovo. Our mission, EULEX, is monitoring the situation on the ground in accordance with its mandate. We are waiting for further details to verify the facts. As previously stated, the status of these structures and the services they provide should be resolved through EU-mediated dialogue. No healthcare, educational, or other institution providing essential social services supported by Serbia should be closed,” the French Embassy stated.