Escobar: Kosovo must fulfill western demands on car plates, CMS

In an interview the Voice of America (VOA) Albanian service Escobar said that the withdrawal of Serbs from Kosovo’s institutions is “useless,” as well as that it created quite a dangerous situation in northern Kosovo.

We have been very clear and open about what we expect from both sides, said the US Envoy. On the part of Kosovo, we have requested a one-year implementation period to carry out a public notification campaign and to prepare the affected community to be ready to change the car license plates, said Escobar and called on the Kosovo authorities to put the issue of the Community of Serb Municipalities on the agenda.

From our point of view and that of Quint's partners, this is a request and we will stand firm, he stressed.

Regarding the Serbian side, Escobar said that any protest should be peaceful.

The withdrawal of Serbs from Kosovo’s institutions in not useful, said Escobar and called on the parties to be ready to fulfill these issues immediately.

He said the United States has been “very clear” during the negotiation process about what is expected from the Kosovo side.

We have also been very clear with the Serbian side that we agree that the issue of the Community of Serb Municipalities should be on the agenda, said Escobar, adding that he has spoken with a wide range of voices within Kosovo who support this and are willing to help Kosovo fulfill its international obligations on this issue.

The US Envoy said he disagrees with Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti’s assessment that Serbia is trying to mask the rejection of the Franco-German initiative for an “agreement between the two countries” by trying to destabilize the situation in north Kosovo.

Escobar said it was too early to weight the answers to the Franco-German proposal and that tensions are growing because of the lack of communication and coordination, and the lack of will to participate and fully engage in dialogue.