September 25, 2023

Washington, DC – Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24), co-chair of the Congressional Serbia Caucus, today released the following statement regarding the recent violence in Northern Kosovo.

"The recent violence in Northern Kosovo is unacceptable, and I sincerely appreciate Serbian President Aleksander Vucic's quick condemnation of the attack. The governments of Serbia and Kosovo must refrain from rhetoric and actions that may further inflame tensions. For months, I have been concerned about the potential for escalating violence and the treatment of Kosovo Serbs by Kosovan Prime Minister Albin Kurti. That is why earlier this month, I sent a letter to Prime Minister Kurti urging him to de-escalate tensions and preserve the rights of Kosovo Serbs.

"I once again call for the complete protection of human and political rights of all minorities in Kosovo, especially the Serbian civilian minority population, while urging Prime Minister Kurti to abide by his existing obligations under the 2013 Brussels Agreement. This includes finally creating the Association of Serb-majority municipalities. Both parties must continue to work together to resolve this long-standing dispute peacefully. The Biden Administration should also ensure that America continues to engage constructively and proactively in the region to advance peace between all parties, building on the successes of the previous Administration.”

"It is long past time for both sides to return to the negotiating table and achieve progress through diplomacy in a manner that embraces our shared vision of a stable, secure, and prosperous Western Balkans region."

Source: tenney.house.gov