Statement on behalf of the Embassies of France, Germany, Italy, the United Kingdom and the United States, July 14, 2017
We take note of the results of the early elections to the Assembly of the Republic of Kosovo. We also recall the initial findings of the EU Election Observation Mission, and expect that the new Assembly will prioritize responding to its recommendations.
We also want to state the position of our countries regarding Government formation. As we have repeatedly made clear, it is Kosovo citizens who elect their representatives. These representatives alone are responsible for the formation of a new Government, according to the laws and constitution of Kosovo. We will work with any legally-constituted Government that honors Kosovo’s commitments, the European Reform Agenda, and Kosovo’s wider European perspective. We urge the parties that form the next government to prioritize building the rule of law and fighting corruption and organized crime in all parts of Kosovo, in order to attract investment desperately needed for job creation and sustainable economic growth.
We also urge the Government and Assembly to proceed as soon as possible with the ratification of the border agreement with Montenegro, and to engage seriously in dialogue with Serbia, in order to normalize the relations between the two countries.
