RFE: The State Department once again calls on Kosovo and Serbia to take urgent measures to de-escalate the situation

The US State Department has again called on Kosovo and Serbia to take urgent measures to de-escalate the situation in the north of Kosovo, reports Radio Free Europe in the Albanian language.

"The United States and the European Union have clearly expressed our expectations to both sides. Discussions continue," the State Department spokesman told for RFE when asked how Washington commented on Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti's five-point plan to reduce tensions in the north.

The first point of the plan presented by Kurti on Tuesday is the rule of law, which, according to the Kosovo prime minister, means the identification, prosecution and fair trial of all members of "criminal groups that attacked police, NATO troops and journalists" in northern Kosovo.

The spokesperson of the State Department points out that those responsible for the violent attacks in the north must be held accountable.

"Those responsible for the violent attacks must be held accountable after due legal process and with full transparency," he added.

The USA and the EU presented Kurti with three demands: calming the situation in the north, holding new elections in four municipalities in the north and returning to the dialogue for the normalization of relations between Kosovo and Serbia.

Tensions in the north of Kosovo began on May 26, when the Kosovo police helped the Albanian mayors of the municipalities of Zvecan, Zubin Potok and Leposavic to move into municipal buildings, despite the resistance of the local population.