U.S. State Department: Suspension of strategic dialogue entirely based on the actions of the Government of Kosovo

The suspension of the strategic dialogue “is entirely based on the actions of the Government of Kosovo in its technical mandate,” said the spokesperson of the U.S. State Department in a written response to Nacionale.

“Any suggestion that this has anything to do with Serbia or external actors is inaccurate and an attempt to avoid addressing the core issue,” the spokesperson said.

These concerns were conveyed to Albin Kurti, the spokesperson added, noting that, “the position of the United States was made absolutely clear to him.”

“The decision to suspend the strategic dialogue is entirely based on the actions of the Government of Kosovo in its technical mandate. Any suggestion that this is related to Serbia or other external actors is inaccurate and an attempt to avoid the key issues. We directly expressed our concerns to the Prime Minister and clearly presented the position of the United States government. The United States will always be a close friend of the people of Kosovo, and we remain fully committed to our partnership. However, the United States encourages our partners to work constructively to ensure stability and security,” the State Department spokesperson told Nacionale.

He added that the U.S. wishes to move forward with the Government of Kosovo, but needs a partner that understands the importance of avoiding destabilizing actions and is committed to advancing regional stability and protecting the rights of all citizens of Kosovo.

“We will continue to assess the actions of the interim government. We have nothing further to announce at this time,” he added.

During his visit to the United States, speaking to a group of students, Kurti stated that the U.S. is against the rule of law and sovereignty in northern Kosovo, and that as a result of this opposition, they suspended the strategic dialogue between Kosovo and the U.S. indefinitely.

“This pleases Serbia. At Kosovo’s expense, they want to pull it away from the Russian Federation. Forgive me for being frank, but that should not be my problem,” Kurti said.