Hovenier: If the government does not become our partner regarding the regulation, it will affect the quality of our partnership

The US Ambassador to Kosovo, Jeffrey Hovenier, addressed reporters in Pristina after attending a meeting with Prime Minister Albin Kurti, his deputy Besnik Bislimi, and the Finance Minister of the Government of Kosovo, Hekuran Murati, along with other accredited ambassadors in Pristina.

Hovenier stated that the topic of discussion had been the decision made by the Central Bank of Kosovo.

"We hope to see a postponement of implementation. As I mentioned earlier in the statement, we are concerned that the implementation of this regulation, if not adjusted, will affect minority communities, including the Serbian community. This is the conversation we had, and I would say that all of us in the diplomatic corps expressed similar concerns. We hope to see a delay in this decision while working on developing a strategy and provisions that would take into account the reality and concerns of minority communities, as well as practical issues such as how individuals who received cash assistance from the post office will now receive it in a way that suits them. We believe there is not enough public information clarifying this. We respect, support, and welcome the implementation of the Kosovo Constitution, and we respect and recognize the role of the central bank. In fact, the United States plays an important role in helping and supporting these institutions. We support efforts to prevent financial crimes, money laundering, and terrorism financing, but we are very concerned about how this regulation has been implemented," Hovenier said.

In response to the question of whether there is any indication from the Kosovo Government that they will change their decision, and if not, whether Kosovo could face sanctions from the US or EU, Hovenier says that they will let the Kosovo Government speak for itself. They hope that the Kosovo Government will be a partner with the US in implementing the regulation in a way that satisfies European standards and does not endanger anyone.

"To the extent that the Kosovo Government is willing to be our partner in addressing these concerns, it will strengthen our partnership. To the extent that the Government does not want to be our partner on this very sensitive issue, it will impact the quality of our partnership," the US Ambassador said.

Responding to journalists' questions, Hovenier also said that he had not discussed this issue with opposition leaders in Kosovo.

Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti convened a meeting today with all accredited ambassadors in Kosovo, with the main topic of discussion being the recent regulation from the Central Bank of Kosovo.