US: Belgrade - Pristina talks in two phases: first economy, then politics

 "The US policy has been to suspend our support as long as Kosovo conducted damaging politics. No one should expect us always to write blank checks. I have been clear, and I don't know how many times I have to say to all those included in this (the dialogue) that the US firmly believes that this 20-year-long conflict between Kosovo and Serbia will be solved through economic normalisation, jobs for youths, and development," Grenell told the Pristina Gazeta Express website in an interview.

He referred to the forthcoming meeting between Belgrade and Pristina delegations at White House on June 27, adding Trump would not attend.

Grenell said he had discussed "the vision of the two-phase talks" with the French and German advisors.

"The first step is economic normalisation. The US is focused on the economy. All political issues are the European topics in the second phase. The vision we share with the French and Germans is that we won't succeed in political talks without creating jobs for young people and the economic normalisation first," Grenell said.

According to him, the second step can be successful after the first one is made.

Washington "has made crystal clear to Paris and Berlin that as soon as the economic recovery starts, as soon as we reach agreements on air, railroad and road traffic, as soon as we see the economies are raising, it will be easier for the Europeans (to deal) with the political issues."