Verklaring van Catherine Ashton over de spanningen rond Kosovo (en)

Catherine Ashton, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice-President of the European Commission, spoke to both President Tadic and Prime Minister Thaci today. She expressed the EU's concern over the escalation of tensions in northern Kosovo. She stressed that it is essential to restore calm immediately.

The High Representative urged President Tadic and Prime Minister Thaci to help defuse the tensions and do all that is necessary to calm down the situation.

She has also stressed that the efforts must focus on resolving the underlying issues through the EU facilitated dialogue. The dialogue is the only way forward to solve the issue of customs stamps and to re-establish free trade in both direction.

The High Representative has also asked President Tadic and Prime Minister Thaci to assist the efforts of the EU Special Representative and EULEX who have been talking to both sides in order to agree to a reasonable way forward.