US Ambassador: We support Kosovo taking its place in family of European nations

“We absolutely believe it is Kosovo’s destiny and we will absolutely and enthusiastically support its advancement into European institutions, like the European Union (EU), the Council of Europe (CoE), into Euro-Atlantic institutions, like a different relationship with NATO, ultimately we see Kosovo as a member of NATO,” Hovenier told the Klan Kosova TV.

He said progress needs to be made in the EU-facilitated dialogue in order to achieve this.

“That is the path to advance that goal. And that is where, at times, with this government we’ve had some differences, not in what we want to achieve, but in some of the tactics or approaches to try to achieve it,” added the US ambassador.

He said the US government is concerned when the government of Kosovo chooses to take unilateral action.

“The US government has had to make some statements that we are concerned when the government of Kosovo chooses to take action unilaterally in some ways to assert sovereignty in which Kosovo does have sovereignty but nonetheless in which we believe it should be done in a way that is coordinated with the international community, that is consulted with the affected communities,” added Hovenier.

He cited the example of the Central Bank of Kosovo regulation on cash payments, adding that the US does not dispute the Central Bank’s authority and responsibility to govern the financial sector throughout the territory of Kosovo, which, of course, includes the North of Kosovo, which is part of the territory of the sovereign and independent Kosovo.

“We know exactly where the border is: north of the Ibar River,” said Hovenier.