Hovenier: CBK regulation not the problem, but its implementation

Following his meeting with Kosovo Deputy Prime Minister Besnik Bislimi, Hovenier said that he saw positive signs from the meeting between the representatives of Kosovo and Serbia held Tuesday in Brussels.

The ambassador told reporters following talks with Bislimi that the US respects the authority of the CBK and understands it has the responsibility to govern and determine monetary policy for all the territory of Kosovo, but that the US is concerned that the manner in which the CBK regulation is implemented “could be affecting vulnerable populations, and particularly but not solely limited to the Kosovo Serb community.”

Hovenier said he was optimistic about the possible outcome of the next Kosovo and Serbia chief negotiators’ meeting due to be held on March 25 in Brussels.

An agreement was reached at the chief negotiators’ meeting in Brussels on Tuesday for the two sides to submit by Friday their proposals for overcoming the current situation, which will be discussed on March 25 in Brussels.