US embassies in Belgrade, Pristina: Dismantle the roadblocks immediately

Kosovo blokade
Tanjug/AP/Bojan Slavkovic

The embassies of the United States of America in Belgrade and Pristina issued a joint statement requesting the immediate dismantling of roadblocks in north Kosovo and “an end to all threats of violence and intimidation.”

“Those who erected illegal roadblocks should dismantle them immediately. We expect an end to all threats of violence and intimidation,” reads the joint statement.

The United States expressed its deep concern about the current situation in the north of Kosovo. “We understand that Kosovan authorities have detained an individual suspected of involvement in a violent attack on Kosovan law enforcement and electoral commission authorities. This arrest is being used as a justification for illegal roadblocks as well as threats and intimidation against the Kosovan authorities and the local population,” says the statement.

The embassies expressed their full support for KFOR and EULEX and condemned as unacceptable all attacks on Kosovo and international security agencies.

“We call on everyone to exercise maximum restraint, to take immediate action to achieve a de-escalation of the situation, and to refrain from provocative acts. We urge the parties to work within the EU-facilitated Dialogue to resolve issues of concern,” said the embassies.

The embassies of the United Kingdom in Belgrade and Pristina also requested the removal of roadblocks, stressing that an arrest is no excuse for the barricades.