The United States announced on Friday that it has “indefinitely suspended” its planned Strategic Dialogue with Kosovo, citing actions by the caretaker government in Pristina that Washington says have increased tensions and undermined stability. After four years of public criticism and repeated rebukes over what it described as unilateral and uncoordinated moves by Prime Minister Albin Kurti’s government—particularly in the north and in dialogue with Belgrade—the U.S. has now taken its most concrete step yet.
“We remain committed to advancing joint interests shared by the United States and the people of Kosovo. Our relationship with Kosovo is based on a common goal: strengthening peace and stability as a basis for mutual economic prosperity,” the U.S. Embassy in Pristina said in a statement.
It added that “recent actions and statements by Caretaker Prime Minister Kurti have posed challenges to progress made over many years.”
The Strategic Dialogue had been planned to “strengthen economic and diplomatic ties to the benefit of both the American and Kosovan people,” according to the embassy.
“We hope to pursue such efforts in the future when appropriate. We know this a goal prioritized by the people of Kosovo,” the statement continued.
Earlier on Friday, U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Ana Pratipati signaled the suspension, expressing disappointment over remarks Kurti made last week during a Self-Determination Movement leadership meeting.
“We are disappointed with the latest actions and statements of Caretaker Prime Minister Kurti, which have increased instability and insecurity in Kosovo. These actions undermine the political process, weaken Kosovo’s institutions and worsen inter-ethnic tensions,” Pratipati told Koha.
Kurti had sharply criticized the Constitutional Court, calling it a “political shadow of the opposition” to Self-Determination.
“We are carefully considering our response, but let me be clear – any move that weakens political and economic stability poses a serious challenge to our partnership,” Pratipati said.
A Deepening Institutional Crisis, Kosovo’s parliament remains in deadlock nearly eight months after elections
On August 30, newly elected speaker Dimal Basha declared the Assembly constituted despite the failure to elect a Serbian vice president on three separate occasions. The Serb List has challenged the procedure used to fill the post by drawing lots, and the Constitutional Court has since issued a temporary measure suspending the work of MPs and the formation of a new government until the end of September.
Opposition parties and constitutional experts warn that the Assembly cannot be fully constituted without a vice president from the Serbian community. President Vjosa Osmani, however, argues that this requirement is being used deliberately to block institutions and that the Assembly can function without one. Self-Determination has taken a similar stance, claiming that no ethnic group has veto power over state processes – while at the same time escalating its criticism of the Constitutional Court.
The court has rejected claims from Kurti and his allies that it is “paralyzing institutions,” calling the remarks reckless and stressing that judicial independence is a cornerstone of the rule of law.
As Kosovo approaches local elections on October 12, it remains in the grip of a deep institutional crisis – without an elected government and with its parliament temporarily suspended.
Preuzimanje i objavljivanje tekstova sa portala KoSSev nije dozvoljeno bez navođenja izvora. Hvala na poštovanju etike novinarske profesije.
