Hovenier: Progress in dialogue needed for Kosovo's membership in EU, NATO, and Council of Europe

U.S. Ambassador to Pristina, Jeffrey Hovenier, stated this evening that progress in dialogue with Serbia is essential for Kosovo's membership in the European Union, NATO, and the Council of Europe. This means fulfilling the obligations undertaken, including progress in forming the Community of Serb Municipalities (CSM).

In an interview with Klan Kosova, Hovenier said that the U.S. has advised the current and previous governments in Pristina to engage in the dialogue constructively and actively.

"We hope that both leaders will find the political will and common ground for progress. The U.S. has repeatedly expressed the expectation that Kosovo and Serbia fulfill all their dialogue obligations immediately and without preconditions," emphasized the ambassador.

He reminded that Kosovo and Serbia have undertaken legally binding obligations, and both sides are expected to fulfill all commitments from the Basic Agreement and the Annex from Ohrid.

"The U.S. stance is clear. We believe that the final outcome of the normalization of relations should be mutual recognition. I know that is not the position of both sides, but it is the clear stance of the U.S.," Hovenier stated.

He added that he understands why the Kosovo Prime Minister wants to sign the agreement but noted that there are also previous agreements that were not signed.

"The reality is that fulfilling obligations paves the way to the EU, the Council of Europe, and NATO. This also means progress in forming the CSM," said Hovenier.

He added that although the U.S. is not a member of the Council of Europe, he is confident that European countries are ready to support Kosovo's membership in that organization if Pristina submits the draft statute of the CSM for review by the Constitutional Court.

"The European draft statute of the CSM is not a non-paper, it was not created by a think tank, but was submitted by EU, U.S., German, and French envoys. I do not accept the government's argument that it is a non-paper because it can be accepted and sent to the Constitutional Court. The government should take measures to submit that document to the Constitutional Court. We believe that the proposed draft can ensure the establishment of the CSM without executive powers, which does not create an additional level of government. My advice is to accept it," said Hovenier.

He added that the "address" for the draft is the Constitutional Court of Kosovo, not the Venice Commission.

"Only the Constitutional Court can decide whether the draft is in accordance with the constitution. If we are wrong, if it violates the constitution, we will respect that. I respect the Venice Commission, but it will not solve the basic problem. I hear from the government that they are not sure if the proposed statute is in accordance with the constitution. That is why it should be sent to the Constitutional Court," reiterated Hovenier.

The ambassador stated that the U.S. remains focused on this region and has invested significantly in the development of Kosovo and regional stability, which remains the goal.

He expressed concern over the increasing tensions in northern Kosovo.

"KFOR is in Kosovo, helping to ensure security. There are also several hundred Americans in KFOR. I think the citizens of Kosovo can sleep peacefully, knowing that KFOR would respond to any security threats," said the U.S. Ambassador.

Regarding the Banjska case, he stated that the U.S. has been clear since the events occurred that all perpetrators must be held accountable.

"Radoicic has been identified as someone who organized it. We expect him to be held accountable; for us, Radoicic is a criminal," said Hovenier.

Hovenier mentioned that the U.S. supports Kosovo in taking its rightful place within the family of European states, but progress in the dialogue is necessary for this.

"We are confident that this is Kosovo's destiny and we fully and enthusiastically support progress towards membership in European institutions such as the EU, the Council of Europe, and Euro-Atlantic institutions, with the ultimate goal of NATO membership. But achieving these goals requires progress in the EU-mediated dialogue. That is the way forward. And in this regard, we have sometimes had differences with the Kosovo government, not about what needs to be achieved, but about some tactics and approaches to achieving these goals," he said.

Hovenier conveyed that the U.S. is concerned when Kosovo decides to take unilateral measures to establish sovereignty.

"The U.S. government has repeatedly expressed concern when the government of Kosovo takes unilateral measures, and we think this should be done in coordination with the international community and in consultation with the affected communities," added the ambassador.

As an example, he cited the implementation of the Central Bank's decision regarding the dinar.

"We do not dispute the authority and responsibility of the Central Bank to make decisions in the financial sector throughout Kosovo's territory, which includes northern Kosovo, which is part of the sovereign and independent territory of Kosovo. We know exactly where Kosovo's border is, and that is north of the Ibar River," said Hovenier.