In a joint media conference with the US envoy for the Western Balkans, Gabriel Escobar in Pristina on Wednesday, the President of Kosovo, Vjosa Osmani, said that Kosovo is ready to increase the intensity of the dialogue with Serbia.

Osmani complained about Serbia’s approach, however. “Kosovo is and has always been a constructive party and is ready to increase its commitment to intensifying the process. I expressed dissatisfaction with the non-implementation of agreements by Serbia, the illegal criminal structures Serbia has refused to dismantle and continues to financially support,” Osmani said.

Osmani added that Escobar’s visit has contributed to addressing issues in the common interest of long-term peace and stability.

Escobar expressed continued American support for the Euro-Atlantic aspirations of Kosovo. He added that his purpose on his visit was to boost cooperation between Kosovo’s allies.

“The purpose of my visit is to see the way of cooperation with a very good ally and a very, very close friend. I came to express continued American support for Kosovo’s Euro-Atlantic aspirations and solidarity in times of crisis in Kosovo and ways to deepen this partnership, including our support for Kosovo’s participation in the dialogue facilitated by the EU,” said Escobar. 

The US envoy has also met the Prime Minister of Kosovo, Albin Kurti.

“We spoke about the importance and weight of our bilateral relations, the partnership between our two countries for progress and the reforms in Kosovo, dealing with the energy crisis and the relationship between Kosovo and Serbia, the dialogue process and the way forward. We are committed to reaching a legally binding agreement for full normalization of relations for mutual recognition in the center”, said Kurti after the meeting.

Escobar visited Kosovo about a month ago together with the special envoy of the European Union for the Kosovo-Serbia dialogue, Miroslav Lajcak.

Officials in Belgrade and Pristina confirmed the existence of a new German-French proposal for a deal on Kosovo’s final status, but disagreed about what the document actually says.

The EU-led dialogue between Kosovo and Serbia started in 2011.