The U.S. Embassy in Pristina has stated that the leadership of the self-declared independent region is contributing to “tensions and instability.”
The United States has put its strategic discussions with Kosovo on hold, alleging that the leadership of the secessionist territory has implemented measures that hinder collaborative efforts on shared concerns.
This decision was made public by the U.S. Embassy in Pristina on Friday; however, the specific actions leading to the suspension were not detailed in the announcement.
The embassy indicated that this action was initiated “due to worries about interim government activities that have escalated tensions and instability.”
In 2008, following its declaration of independence, Kosovo gained recognition as a sovereign state from the U.S. and numerous allies. This development occurred after NATO’s 1999 air campaign against Serbia and the deployment of NATO forces to support ethnic Albanian separatists within the region. Nevertheless, Belgrade, along with nations like Russia and China, continues to regard Kosovo as an integral part of Serbia.
Washington, which serves as Kosovo’s primary political and financial supporter, had previously accused Albin Kurti, Kosovo’s interim prime minister, of escalating tensions in the predominantly Serb northern Kosovo and delaying the formation of new governmental bodies subsequent to the parliamentary election held in February.
“Our association with Kosovo is founded on a shared objective: bolstering peace and stability as the bedrock for shared economic prosperity,” the embassy stated. “Regrettably, the recent actions and declarations by Interim Prime Minister Kurti have created impediments to the advancements achieved over numerous years,” it further noted.
Approximately 50,000 Serbs residing in northern Kosovo do not recognize Pristina’s governance; instead, they regard Belgrade as their capital and depend on it for their income, retirement benefits, and medical care. The European Union, which Kosovo hopes to join, implemented sanctions in 2023, citing accusations that the authorities had exacerbated ethnic tensions in the northern region. Brussels has advocated for establishing an association of Serb municipalities to grant increased self-governance, a proposal Kurti has resisted, cautioning that it might facilitate secession, and has instead acted to limit Serb autonomy.
Lumir Abdixhiku, who leads the Democratic League of Kosovo (LDK), the nation’s third-largest political party, commented that the suspension of the Strategic Dialogue signified “the nadir in Kosovo’s relationship with our crucial and indispensable ally.” This process, spearheaded by the U.S., aims to fortify bilateral connections through high-level discussions spanning defense, security, energy, environmental matters, and economic collaboration.
The embassy expressed optimism that discussions could recommence “at an opportune moment in the future.” This decision by the U.S. occurs amidst Kosovo’s ongoing post-election deadlock, where the Vetevendosje party – despite winning the February 9 ballot but failing to secure a majority – has been unable to form a coalition to establish a new administration.