Hargreaves: Kosovo must fulfill its obligations under the agreement and form the Community of Serb Municipalities

The British Ambassador to Kosovo, Jonathan Hargreaves, stated that Kosovo can make progress in the dialogue with Serbia and ensure the lifting of European Union measures by fulfilling its obligations under the Brussels and Ohrid agreements, including the formation of the Community of Serb Municipalities, as reported by Dukagjini.

Hargreaves emphasized that the United Kingdom will continue to support Kosovo, encouraging a constructive approach in the dialogue.

"We are not part of the EU, and I cannot speak on behalf of my EU colleagues regarding the path to lifting measures, and I would also not want to speculate on how the U.S. administration will approach Kosovo in the coming weeks and months. However, what I do know is that we will work very closely with Kosovo and encourage the Kosovo government to be as positive and constructive as possible in the dialogue with Serbia, as this is clearly the best way to ensure the lifting of measures. I know that EU member states will welcome positive moves from Kosovo in advancing the dialogue," Hargreaves said in an interview for Dukagjini.

Considering the current state of European security, the Ambassador believes that what the world needs is for the Western Balkans region to play its role in broader stability.

"We have clearly stated that we believe Kosovo will do well by fulfilling the obligations it has accepted, including the CSM and the implementation of the Brussels and Ohrid agreements. We believe that by doing this, Kosovo can set a positive tone in the dialogue with Serbia by continuing with their implementation," said Hargreaves.

Hargreaves expressed concern about the actions of the Kosovo Police in the north, highlighting that actions must be coordinated with international partners.

He emphasized that it is important for any action to have as little impact as possible on the Serbs, who, he says, want to live in a peaceful and productive environment in Kosovo.

"When we talk about actions in the north, it’s no secret that we, along with other European partners and the U.S., have sometimes been concerned about actions taken in the north. I have said three things: coordinate, negotiate, and calm down. So, coordinate with international partners and allies when there are actions that the Kosovo authorities want to take, as this makes it safer and ensures that international partners are not caught off guard. Negotiate, because we believe the best way to address issues related to the status of institutions financed by Serbia across the country, especially in the north, is through negotiations, finding ways to integrate these institutions into the dialogue. And, third, if measures are necessary concerning these institutions, they should be taken in a way that mitigates the impact on Serbs, who, in my experience, really want to live peacefully and productively in Kosovo, knowing that they can live safely with their families," said the Ambassador.

He added that the security of Kosovo is primarily guaranteed by the presence of KFOR.

"We are fully dedicated to this, and KFOR plays a very important role in the country and will continue to do so," said Hargreaves.

Speaking about the Banjska incident and the attack on the Ibar-Lepenac canal, he stated that both attacks were serious.

"The attack in Banjska was obviously a very serious and destabilizing event in Kosovo. Similarly, the attack on the Ibar-Lepenac canal seemed like a serious attack on critical infrastructure. We do not have privileged access to information about who is responsible for either of these two attacks, but we must make it very clear that Serbia should hold Radoicic and his associates accountable," said Hargreaves.

He added that he supports the Kosovo Police in their investigation of the Ibar-Lepenac canal attack and believes that Serbia should cooperate in this case, stating that "there is no privileged information on who is responsible for the attack."

Regarding the recent elections in Kosovo, Hargreaves noted that they were held peacefully and democratically, which he considered "a major achievement for Kosovo and the region." He emphasized the urgent need for the formation of a stable and strong government.

"One of the important things is for Kosovo to be able to form a stable government as soon as possible because these are difficult times across Europe, and it is not the time for a country like Kosovo to be without a government with a stable mandate or a parliament that cannot effectively pass laws. My main hope is that the government will be formed in a way that provides stability, so that it can engage with both international and domestic challenges. It is necessary that we have a strong, stable government as soon as possible," said Hargreaves.