Tenney wrote to Blinken: Kurti is once again threatening peace, what will the US do to protect the rights of Serbs?

Republican Congresswoman Claudia Tenney sent a letter to U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, requesting a response on what actions the U.S. will take to protect the rights of Serbs in Kosovo, as Kosovo's Prime Minister Albin Kurti, according to her, is once again threatening peace despite criticism from the State Department.

"Once again, Kurti's actions are jeopardizing peace and stability in the Western Balkans. Despite strong criticism from the State Department, Kurti's behavior has not changed. I sent a letter to Blinken asking to know what actions the U.S. will take to ensure that the rights of ethnic Serbs in Kosovo are protected and that Kurti is held accountable," Tenney wrote on the social network 'X' (formerly Twitter).

In her letter, Tenney stated that it is time to consider applying greater pressure on Kurti, including considering specific punitive measures if such behavior continues.

Tenney expressed deep concern over the ongoing harassment of Serbs in Kosovo and the lack of action from the Biden administration.

"While I appreciate the recent statements from the U.S. Embassy in Pristina and Assistant Secretary Jim O’Brien, it seems these statements are not changing Kurti’s actions. I am seeking information on what the State Department will do, if anything, to ensure the protection of Serb rights in Kosovo if Kurti continues to violate international norms and the essence of the Ohrid Agreement," Tenney said in her letter to Blinken.

She reminded that the Kosovo government recently undertook unilateral actions against the Serbian minority in Kosovo, jeopardizing peace and stability in the Western Balkans, noting that on August 30, the Kosovo Police carried out operations against institutions in majority-Serb areas, supported by Serbia, without international coordination.

This not only disregards the EU-mediated dialogue but also threatens peace and stability in the region, KFOR soldiers, and the citizens of Kosovo, the congresswoman warned.

"I appreciate the strong language in the U.S. Embassy’s statement, including the remark that these actions 'undermine Kosovo’s reputation as a reliable international partner,' but it seems these statements have little impact on Kurti’s actions," Tenney noted.

She recalled that in September of last year, she sent a letter to Kurti urging him to deescalate the situation and work toward implementing the 2013 Brussels Agreement in response to the crisis involving the forced installation of mayors in the north, despite the lack of local voter participation in the elections.

"I believe it is time to consider applying greater pressure on Kurti’s regime, including considering specific punitive measures if such behavior continues. Additionally, KFOR should intensify efforts to protect the Serbian minority in line with its mandate. Instead of remaining a passive or neutral observer, KFOR must take a more proactive stance by increasing patrols and preventing the heavily armed Kosovo Special Police forces from intimidating unarmed civilians," Tenney emphasized.

She added that she looks forward to receiving a response from the Secretary of State regarding potential additional actions that the State Department might take if Kurti continues with unilateral, provocative actions and further violates the Ohrid Agreement.

"I also look forward to working with you to protect the rights of the Serbian minority in Kosovo," Congresswoman Tenney concluded in her letter.