The US Embassy in Pristina has issued a statement expressing concern over the recent actions taken by the Kosovo government. According to the statement, these uncoordinated actions not only put Kosovo’s citizens and KFOR soldiers at greater risk but also unnecessarily escalate regional tensions and undermine Kosovo’s reputation as a reliable international partner.
The US Government is reportedly „deeply disappointed“ by the unilateral and uncoordinated actions taken by the Kosovo government against Serbian postal branches in Northern Kosovo. The embassy has called on the Kosovo authorities to halt all further unilateral actions and return to constructive engagement in the EU-supported dialogue aimed at normalizing relations between Kosovo and Serbia.
EU Urges Kosovo Government to Reconsider Decision
This marks the second response from the international community regarding yesterday’s actions, following a similar, though milder, statement from the European Union.
The EU has urged the Kosovo government to reconsider its decision, citing the closure of Serbian Post branches as a unilateral and uncoordinated move that violates telecommunications agreements established in 2015, which deferred discussions on postal services to a later stage.
German Ambassador Aligns with EU and US on Kosovo’s Actions
In agreement with the EU and US, German Ambassador to Kosovo Jorn Rode has also responded to the closure of all nine Serbian Post branches in Northern Kosovo. In his statement, Ambassador Rode emphasized the need for inclusive approaches at both the EU and national levels.
Coordinated Operation by Kosovo Authorities
At 2 p.m. yesterday, Kosovo Police conducted a coordinated operation, entering all nine Serbian Post facilities in Northern Kosovo. The operation was carried out at the request of the Regulatory Authority for Electronic and Postal Communications (ARKEP).
Veton Eljshani, Deputy Commander of the Northern Police Region, informed the KoSSev portal that the closure was executed after receiving information that these facilities were operating without a license.
The affected post offices included three in North Mitrovica, two in Zvečan, one in Zubin Potok, and three in Leposavić. Employees were allowed to collect their personal belongings, while the Kosovo Police reportedly seized what is presumed to be Serbian Post documentation.
It remains unclear whether money was seized during this operation, as had occurred in a similar operation less than three months ago involving Serbian financial institutions.
Aside from a demonstration by the Serbian Democratic Party involving the throwing of white envelopes and the brief detention and punishment of two individuals in Lešak who resisted the police operation, no other incidents were reported. EULEX members were observed monitoring the situation at several locations.
Kosovo Government Closes Northern Post Offices Ahead of National Elections, Says Former Foreign Minister
Petrit Selimi, former Foreign Minister of Kosovo, has attributed the recent closure of Serbian Post offices in Northern Kosovo to the upcoming national elections.
Selimi expressed his views on social media platform X, stating, „The Kosovo government is closing post offices in the north for one and only one reason: the upcoming national elections.“
According to Selimi, the synchronized actions taken in Northern Kosovo are directly linked to the political strategy ahead of the general elections.
All 9 Facilities Used by Serbian Post in Northern Kosovo Closed
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