Washington DC, 22 November 2022 (TDI): The United States (US) has urged Kosovo and Serbia to reach a peace negotiation by engaging in dialogues to prevent the escalation of further tensions.
The governments of both states have been encouraged by the US to settle their dispute through negotiations.
The US has indicated disappointment related to failing a dialogue and solution between both states. While the European Union (EU) High Representative Joseph Borrell presented a solution over the car plate dispute to both states.
But the leaders from both countries did not agree to the solution. The US has urged the Prime Minister of Kosovo, Albin Kurti, and the President of Serbia, Aleksandar Vucic, to reach a fair compromise.
Both leaders have been urged to work with EU representatives Joseph Borrell and Miroslav Lajčák. Both countries are advised to refrain from escalating the tensions further which could hamper the peace in the region.
The US desires Kosovo and Serbia to oblige under the EU dialogue framework and ease the tensions through constructive engagement.
Kosovo-Serbia conflict
Kosovo this year attempted to phase out old vehicle plates issued by Serbia back in 1999 when Kosovo was a part of the state. Kosovo declared independence from Serbia in 2008.
The government of Kosovo is issuing a warning for cars with Serbian license plates. On November 1, the first warnings were issued to the drivers with the old plates at the Jarinje Border crossing with Serbia. They were asked to get new Kosovo plates.
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Before this in August, both states have reached an agreement under the EU dialogue framework. Both states reach a deal to resolve the license plate and ID card disputes. Citizens from Kosovo could then freely travel to Serbia.
But this tension escalated when in November, the government of Kosovo issued warnings to citizens with Serbian IDs and car plates to re-register themselves.
US and EU have stepped up the mediation efforts between both to de-escalate the situation before it affects the already weak peace environment of the Balkan region.
