The U.S. Embassy in Kosovo has reacted following today’s operation by the Kosovo Police in the north. The embassy’s statement expresses concern and disappointment from the U.S. Government regarding the actions of the Kosovo Government.
The statement further notes that issues related to Serbia-supported structures in Kosovo should be addressed through the EU-facilitated Dialogue. This action was not coordinated with any element of the international community.
Additionally, the embassy warns that “the actions of the Government will also affect the quality and nature of our cooperation with the Ministry of Internal Affairs and its subordinate elements.”
U.S. Embassy Statement on Kosovo Police Operations in Northern Municipalities
The U.S. Government reiterates its concern and disappointment with the ongoing uncoordinated actions taken by the Kosovo Government, which continue to have a direct and negative impact on members of the ethnic Serbian community and other minority communities in Kosovo.
Under the orders of Kosovo Government political authorities, the Kosovo Police conducted operations today, August 30, against Serbia-supported institutions in Mitrovica North, Zvečan, Zubin Potok, and Leposavić. Issues related to Serbia-supported structures in Kosovo should be addressed through the EU-facilitated Dialogue. This action was not coordinated with any international community element.
The United States and our international partners have consistently urged the Kosovo Government to prioritize coordination with the international community and to avoid unilateral actions on issues within the EU-facilitated Dialogue agenda. The Kosovo Government’s failure to respond to these requests reflects a real and growing deterioration in our partnership. As previously emphasized, the Kosovo Government’s uncoordinated actions put Kosovo’s citizens and KFOR troops at greater risk, unnecessarily escalate regional tensions, and undermine Kosovo’s reputation as a reliable international partner.
While the U.S. Government takes pride in supporting the establishment and professionalization of the Kosovo Police over many years as part of our commitment to promoting security and stability, the continued instrumentalization of the Kosovo Police by the Government for uncoordinated actions is inconsistent with the promise to “continue consulting and coordinating with the international community.” The Government’s actions will also affect the quality and nature of our cooperation with the Ministry of Internal Affairs and its subordinate elements.
