Stano: Kosovo has a clear obligation to form the CSM

Source: Reporteri

European Union spokesperson Peter Stano said that Belgrade’s and Pristina’s responses to the German-French proposal were still under consideration, but that the current priority was the de-escalation of the situation in Kosovo. He emphasized that Kosovo had a clear obligation to form the Community of Serb Municipalities, and warned that events in Kosovo might have consequences for the entire region, N1 TV channel reported.

"Kosovo’s obligation to immediately form or to immediately take steps to form the Community of Serb Municipalities is clear. Not only does the continued failure to fulfill this legally-binding obligation undermine the principle of the rule of law, but it also damages the reputation and credibility of Kosovo," Stano said at the press conference.

The EU spokesperson noted that, over the last couple of days, we had been witnessing a very dangerous escalation that might jeopardize what had been achieved through years of hard work. He appealed to both sides to make an effort to find a European solution and pointed out that it was up to both Belgrade and Pristina to fulfill their obligations from the Brussels Agreement.

"This also has consequences for the entire region. We appeal to both sides to find a European solution," Stano said.
He added that fulfilling the obligations and re-engaging in the dialogue are the ways out of the current situation, and pathways towards a European perspective for Serbia and Kosovo.

In responding to a journalist's question about what he meant by the consequences for the entire Western Balkan region, he explained that any local instability spread to the entire region, citing the Ukraine-Russia situation as an example.
"If we have another hot spot on European soil, no one can prevent the flare-up of incidents that may lead to violence. If something is going on, it will inevitably have consequences for the region. The European Union cannot afford that, Serbia and Kosovo cannot afford that, the region cannot afford that", Stano underscored.