Majority of online media outlets are reporting on a U.S. Embassy statement issued today calling on Kosovo to immediately suspend the tarrif on imports from Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina saying it is a necessary step to restore momentum in the Pristina-Belgrade dialogue. The U.S. says an agreement between Kosovo and Serbia is in the strategic interest of the United States and the need for Kosovo leaders to speak in one voice and refrain from actions that would make the agreement difficult to achieve were underscored by President Donald Trump in his letter to President of Kosovo Hashim Thaci.
“Some commentators and politicians have suggested that Kosovo’s status as an independent, sovereign state, closely aligned with the United States, will shield it from all consequences of its decisions in the international arena. We caution against assuming that Kosovo or any other friend of the United States can take actions that run counter to our strategic interests without facing consequences to our bilateral relationship. We call on Kosovo and other regional stakeholders to demonstrate commitment to normalization; regional peace and stability; and movement on the path to European integration. We reiterate our view that an immediate suspension of the tariff on imports from Serbia and Bosnia is one necessary measure to restore momentum to the Dialogue process. We expect other stakeholders to take constructive measures of their own,” the statement reads.
The U.S. Embassy further said that Kosovo is successful when it unites internally and partners with the United States and the EU. It went on to encourage all political parties to contribute constructively to this process: “Actions which undermine the Dialogue, disruptions from the sidelines, and refusal to suspend tariffs all run counter to U.S. interests. What is currently needed is courageous leadership to promote our shared goals. That is what helps us to sustain a strong bilateral relationship.”
Telegrafi reports on the statement saying it is a clear message to Kosovo while Koha headlines: Refusal to suspend tariff goes against U.S. interests. Klan Kosova and Indeksonline also highlight the U.S. Embassy’s call on immediate suspension of import tax.
See the statement: https://xk.usembassy.gov/statement-from-u-s-embassy-pristina-2/
