UAE calls for return to dialogue and de-escalation between Serbia and Kosovo

A police car burns in Kosovo during clashes. A.B

The UAE expressed concern over the recent tensions on the border between the Republic of Serbia and the Republic of Kosovo, stressing the need to de-escalate, return to dialogue, and respect the rules and principles of international law.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs noted the depth of relations and close friendship between Kosovo and Serbia, noting the visit of H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs, to Belgrade and Pristina on a regional tour held by His Highness last March. The ministry expressed hope for a return to the commitment of the two countries to the dialogue sponsored by the European Union, the implementation of the agreement reached in Brussels last February, on the path of normal relations, and the implementation of the road map agreed upon in the Macedonian city of Ohrid, in order to achieve peace and prosperity for the peoples of Serbia and Kosovo, and for the entire region.

In a related context, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) urged Kosovo yesterday to calm tensions with Serbia, the day after its government entered the municipal buildings to install mayors in areas of ethnic Serb origin in the north of the country.

Tensions led to clashes between Kosovo police and protesters opposed to ethnic Albanian mayors, and the clashes prompted Serbia to put its army on high alert and move its units to areas close to the border.

NATO spokeswoman Oana Longescu said: "We urge Kosovo's institutions to de-escalate immediately, and we call on all parties to resolve the situation through dialogue."

The 3800,<>-strong NATO-led peacekeeping force in Kosovo (KFOR) would remain vigilant.