Escobar reconfirms support for Kosovo-Serbia Dialogue

Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Gabriel Escobar gave an interview to Voice of America in Albanian where he spoke about the situation in the Western Balkans region and also about the Kosovo-Serbia dialogue and the “Open Balkan” initiative.

Asked about what the U.S. considers are the chances for an agreement between Kosovo and Serbia at a time when, as VOA reporter put it, the divisions between the two countries have deepened, Escobar said: “Remains to be seen. We are starting this year with renewed energy and an added emphasis on the functioning of the dialogue,” he said, adding that will soon travel to the region and together with the EU Special Representative for the Kosovo-Serbia dialogue Miroslav Lajcak will “signal our support for the dialogue.”

“I hope we will make progress. But I have to say that in this direction, the issue of Serbia and Kosovo is not simply connected to the United States and Europe but also our colleagues in the region.”

Escobar then commended Albania’s role. “Tirana speaks to the two sides constructively and fully supports our efforts to create a sustainable relationship between Serbia and Kosovo, which we appreciate.”

Answering a question on the “Open Balkan”, Escobar said that the initiative cannot be effective without the participation of all countries in the region. “This is the condition on which we support it: First it needs to fulfill the Berlin standards that the European Union has placed. Second, be open to all countries and practically won’t function without all on board.”