However, lukewarm celebrations in Prishtina were being organized as EU mediated talks between Prishtina and Belgrade have come to a deadlock, while the US is increasingly calling for an historic deal to be agreed by both countries in order to move on from past hurdles.

Earlier this week, US President Donald Trump renewed his calls to Belgrade and Prishtina to normalize relations and agree a final bilateral deal which will include the formal recognition of Kosovo’s independence by Serbia, hoping this would unlock the knot and make it easier for other international recognitions desperately needed for Kosovo to become a full member of the United Nations. 

“We believe that the mutual recognition should be the central element of that normalization” – Trump told both Serbia’s and Kosovo’s Presidents in separate letters.

Kosovo declared independence from Serbia in 2008 and it is currently recognized by 116 countries. However, the new country is not recognized by Russia, China, Serbia and 5 other EU member states which fear dissidence with their own regions wishing to break away.

The young small Balkan country is not a member of the United Nations and its citizens are the only ones in the region not to benefit from a visa-free regime with the Schengen European area. It hopes to join NATO and the European Union in the future but any prospects of that happening would be held hostage by Serbia and its larger ally Russia.

Growing frustration with the impasse is pushing people towards emigrating elsewhere in Europe while Washington is concerned about the lack of tangible progress in the Balkans as the region slides into further economic uncertainty and is increasingly vulnerable to ‘external’ influences from Russia, China and Turkey.

Furthermore, although Serbia is hinting at a possible final agreement, it is actively pursuing an aggressive foreign policy to halt or even reverse some recognitions obtained by Kosovo, assisted by its faithful historic ally Russia.

During a press conference in Belgrade last year, Liberian Foreign Minister Gbehzohngar Milton Findley said his country was reversing its decade-old decision to recognize Kosovo.

More recently, Serbia’s President Aleksandar Vučić told Moldova’s Deputy Prime Minister Lurie Leanca that Serbia was grateful for the principled position of Moldova not to recognize the unilaterally declared independence of Kosovo, and for the country\’s support on this issue in regional and international organizations.

Although there’s no transparency over a possible secret deal being negotiated between Belgrade and Kosovo, rumors that it may include a highly controversial ‘land swap’ have fired up controversy in Prishtina, with Kosovo’s Prime Minister Ramush Haradinaj declaring that Kosovo’s territorial integrity was not to be threatened.

Back in August, White House national-security adviser John Bolton said “The United States will not oppose a possible exchange of territories between Kosovo and Serbia as long as both Prishtina and Belgrade agree to a ‘mutually satisfactory settlement’.”

Many political analysts fear that the glory of independence has faded away given the lack of progress in recent years and growing frustration over economic opportunities in the small Balkan country.

Commenting on the 11^th anniversary of independence, Kosovo’s President and former KLA commander Hashim Thaçi wrote on Twitter:

“My hair is little bit grayer, the world has certainly changed too. But that very special day, “feeling the heartbeats of our grandparents”, will forever be marked in my memory & memory of an entire nation. God bless people of #Kosova, God bless our friends.”.

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In fresh letters sent to the President of Serbia Aleksandar Vučić and to the President of Kosovo Hashim Thaçi, US President Trump urged both leaders to rise to the challenge and finalize a bilateral agreement, with ‘mutual recognition’ as a core element of the deal.

Writing to President Vučić on Serbia’s Statehood Day on the 15 February, President Trump said:

“The United States remains firm in its support to your commitment to deepen regional cooperation, and particularly to your determination to normalize the relations with Kosovo. We believe that the mutual recognition should be the central element of that normalization”.

Trump noted that “such an historic agreement” would pave the way for the goals of European integration of Serbia and further economic growth for the Balkan nation.

In a parallel letter, President Trump congratulated President Thaçi on the 11th anniversary of Kosovo’s Declaration of Independence (17 February), and urged him to continue working towards a mutual historic agreement which would end up with Kosovo’s recognition by Serbia, while asking the people of Kosovo to focus on the development of democracy, rule of law, economic and business opportunities.

In a previous letter sent earlier in December, Trump had told both Vučić and Thaci that the United States would welcome the signing of an historic deal between Kosovo and Serbia in Washington, signaling a swift turn in the deadlocked Prishtina-Belgrade EU mediated peace talks which have failed to produce any tangible results in the past months.

Trump said both Kosovo and Serbia should make use of this unique chance of reconciliation, referring to the latest efforts by both Kosovan and Serbian leaders to reach a deal between the two countries, which may include a controversial plan to swap territories between the two Balkan nations.

Following the suggestions of a territorial exchange back in August, White House national-security adviser John Bolton said “The United States will not oppose a possible exchange of territories between Kosovo and Serbia as long as both Prishtina and Belgrade agree to a ‘mutually satisfactory settlement’.”

Kosovo declared independence from Serbia in February 2008 and hopes to join NATO and the European Union in the future. However, the new country is not recognized by Russia, China, Serbia and 5 other EU member states  which fear dissidence with their own regions wishing to break away.

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The courage and creativity shown by the leaders in Athens and Skopje to resolve their decades-long dispute should be an inspiration to everyone in the region.  As U.S. Ambassadors in Belgrade and Pristina, we are convinced that sober, visionary political leadership can lead to a comprehensive agreement between Serbia and Kosovo, with mutual recognition at its core.  This achievement would lay the foundation for a more peaceful and prosperous future for all the peoples in this region.

This is why we today launch an appeal: it’s time for Kosovo to suspend the tariffs, for Serbia to respond constructively, for provocations by both sides to end, for Belgrade and Pristina to return to the European Union-led Dialogue, and for both sides to embrace peace boldly.  If you do so, we are optimistic you can reach a historic normalization agreement in 2019.

You have the full support of the United States, and we will do whatever we can to help you succeed and to build the trust necessary to develop and implement a comprehensive agreement.  President Trump recently wrote to Serbia’s and Kosovo’s leaders to encourage both countries to “seize this moment and to exercise the political leadership in making decisions to balance the interests of both countries.”  President Trump added “it would be extremely regrettable to miss this unique opportunity for peace, security and economic growth.” President Trump was equally clear when he addressed the UN General Assembly:  responsible leaders have an obligation to serve their citizens.

We believe an agreement is possible, and hope to celebrate together with you, just as we celebrate the courage of Greek and Macedonian leaders.  In fact, President Trump has already invited Presidents Vucic and Thaci to the White House to commemorate the achievement as soon as it occurs.  The United States does not, and will not, prescribe what the solution should look like, but believes it must be implementable in both Kosovo and Serbia, and must contribute to the long-term stability of the region.  It is up to leaders and their teams to resume EU-led talks to explore what is possible, and to communicate transparently with their citizens – both to ensure negotiations reflect the will of the people, and to help overcome anxiety and suspicion.

We recognize this is not easy.  We are not blind to the historical events and ongoing tensions that have led to the mistrust and misperception that burden the relationship.  That is why any agreement must be wide-ranging and mutually beneficial, to give both Kosovo and Serbia a stake in its success.  That is also why the United States is committed to working with Serbia and Kosovo to ensure that the two sides effectively develop and implement a sustainable agreement.  Recent steps by both Belgrade and Pristina that raise tensions must stop if there is to be any hope of bringing lasting peace, prosperity, and justice to the region.  If the two sides fail to seize this opportunity, you risk losing the best opportunity in a generation.

The status quo has held back economic and political progress in both countries, and led professionals and young people to seek their futures in more stable nations with more dynamic economies.  In their place, organized crime, corruption, and other extremist elements are taking root, posing threats to regional and European security.

Neither country benefits from continued obstructionism and delay.  Serbia’s and Kosovo’s citizens deserve a future where their children and grandchildren will know peace and prosperity rather than conflict and economic hardship.

A durable, implementable compromise agreement is in both countries’ interest.  Long-term stability and prosperity for both Kosovo and Serbia depend on a return to the EU-led Dialogue, and the courage to overcome the past and build a shared future together.  If Serbia and Kosovo are ready to embark on this path, the United States will be at your side every step of the way.

Kyle Scott is the United States Ambassador to Belgrade, Serbia.  Philip Kosnett is the United States Ambassador to Pristina, Kosovo.  

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This is her second win of the night, after \”Electricity\” won Best Dance Recording, her track with Silk City aka Diplo and Mark Ronson.

\”I want to say thank you to my fans who have allowed me to be the best version of myself,\” Lipa said in accepting the award.

Born in 1995 in London to Albanian parents originally from Kosovo, Dua Lipa\’s breakthrough came in 2016 with her first global hit \”Hotter than Hell,\” which she followed with \”Blow Your Mind (Mwah),\” storming into the US Top 100 Billboard.

Lipa then broke out with her massive hit \”New Rules,\” from her 2017 self-titled debut album, which also features her platinum single \”IDGAF.\”

During her acceptance speech, Lipa made an emotional reference to her background during others to feel special when different from others.  

“My God I am so nervous, so excited and so grateful. One thing that I really want to say is for anyone who hasn’t realized how special they are to have a different story, a different background, a name that honors their roots because they want to be normal, whatever the hell that means, just know that no matter where you’re from, never let that get on the way of your dreams, because you deserve it.” Lipa concluded by making an emotional reference to her Albanian roots.

Dua Lipa was born on 22 August 1995 in Westminster, London, to Albanian parents. Her father, Dukagjin Lipa, is a marketing manager who had a side gig as a lead vocalist in a Kosovar rock band named Oda and her mother, Anesa Lipa (née Rexha), is a tourism executive. Her parents are from Kosovo and had left Pristina in 1992.

She attended Sylvia Young Theatre School part-time before moving to Kosovo with her family in 2006 when her father had graduated from his studies and been offered a job in Kosovo.

At the age of 14, she began posting covers of her favourite songs by artists such as Pink and Nelly Furtado on YouTube and at the age of 15, she moved back to London with aspirations of becoming a singer.

Lipa lived with a friend and studied at Parliament Hill School, where she finished A-levels in Politics, Psychology, English and Media, returning to the Sylvia Young Theatre School on Saturdays. She began working as a model for the online catalogue ASOS Marketplace when she was 16 and 17. She also worked as a hostess at a Mexican restaurant La Bodega Negra in Soho, and at a nightclub in Mayfair. In 2013, she starred in a television advertisement for The X Factor.

In 2015, Lipa began working on her debut album for Warner Music Group. In August 2015, she released her first single \”New Love\”, produced by Emile Haynie and Andrew Wyatt. She released her second single \”Be the One\”, in October 2015 achieving success across Europe, reaching number one in Belgium, Poland and Slovakia, as well as charting within the top 10 in over 11 European territories.

In January 2018, Lipa received nominations in five categories at the Brit Awards – more nominations than any other artist that year. She was nominated for British Female Solo Artist, British Breakthrough Act, MasterCard British Album of the Year for Dua Lipa, British Single of The Year and British Video of The Year for \”New Rules\”.

This was the first time that a female artist had received five nominations. She performed at the awards ceremony held on 21 February at the O2 Arena in London and won the awards for British Female Solo Artist and British Breakthrough Act.

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Thaçi made his comments during an interview with Voice of America Albanian Service in Washington DC, where he said he would work toward the finalization of the Serbia-Kosovo dialogue through an all-inclusive agreement which would culminate with Kosovo’s recognition by Serbia and its eventual membership at the United Nations.

“The benefits for Kosovo would be its recognition by Serbia as an independent and sovereign state, its membership at the UN, recognition by the 5 remaining EU member states, clearing the path for NATO and EU membership.” Thaçi told the VOA.

Thaçi added that a ‘creative solution’ is needed in order to reach a deal and that this could not happen unless a clear definition of interstate borders is reached between Kosovo and Serbia, hinting that the ethnic Albanian speaking municipalities of Presheva, Medvegja and Bujanoc in southern Serbia could join Kosovo as part of a bilateral agreement.

“I believe it would be logical that Presheva, Medvegja and Bujanoc are included in the territory of Kosovo, without affecting our country’s resources, Gazivoda, northern Mitrovica, the Trepçe mine and other areas.” – said Kosovo’s President, adding that unless there are substantial assurances that Serbia would recognize Kosovo, there’s no point to have bilateral talks.

Thaçi’s comments come as political commentators across the Balkans are battling to find out what ‘secret’ deal is allegedly being negotiated between Prishtina and Belgrade with possible US and Russian agreement, which could end with a land swap between Kosovo and Serbia, where Serbia gets a part of Kosovo’s northern territory inhabited by ethnic Serbs while in exchange giving the Presevo valley in its southern tip, predominantly inhabited by ethnic Albanians.

Both countries have been engaged in several years of EU mediated dialogue without any substantial results, prompting tougher US involvement in finding a way out of the deadlock.

Earlier in the day, Thaçi told a meeting organized by the authoritative
US based Council on Foreign Relations that “reaching a deal between Kosovo and Serbia will not be an easy process, but it is the only path forward in order to avoid a return to previous tensions and conflicts.” – adding to speculation that an agreement may already be under \’secret\’ negotiations backed by both the United States and Russia.

Back in December, US President Donald Trump wrote to leaders in Prishtina and Belgrade telling them the “United States would welcome the signing of an historic deal between Kosovo and Serbia in Washington”, signaling it was moving in to accelerate the EU mediated Prishtina-Belgrade peace talks.

A month later, during a visit in Serbia’s capital Belgrade, Russian President Vladimir Putin hinted that Russia may be ready to work with everyone involved to find a deal on Kosovo, providing that a compromise is reached by everyone.

“Russia shares the concern of Serbian leadership and citizens because these moves can lead to a destabilization of the Balkans. Russia, like Serbia, is interested in keeping the Balkans stable and safe”, Putin said in a joint press conference with President Vucic in Belgrade.

Comments by both US and Russian Presidents come weeks after US National Security Advisor John Bolton said “the U.S. policy, is that if the two parties can work it out between themselves and reach agreement, we don’t exclude territorial adjustments.”

Asked by the VOA whether he was optimistic a deal could be reached within this year between Serbia and Kosovo, President Thaçi said he was both “optimistic and realistic”, hinting that secret negotations may already be underway, while public debate focuses on shedding light over a somewhat non-transparent possible agreement.

Kosovo declared independence from Serbia 10 years ago following a NATO led bombing campaign against the Milosevic regime in 1999, which had forced the majority of ethnic Albanians to flee their homes to neighboring Macedonia and Albania.

Serbian politicians are reluctant to publicly accept the independent Republic of Kosovo, claiming that Kosovo is the cradle of Serbian civilization, although behind the scenes they talk of a ‘fait accompli’.

So far, 117 countries have recognized Kosovo as an independent state while Russia strongly objects to a possible UN recognition of the young Balkan state.

Five EU member states are yet to recognize Kosovo while the European Union recently recommended the liberalization of the visa regime for Kosovo’s citizens.

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Earlier in the week, Federica Mogherini’s spokeswoman Maja Kocijancic told Serbian news agency Tanjug that all open issues, incuding the Trepçe mine should be resolved through the finalization of peace talks between the two countries.

\”The EU, as a mediator in dialogue, aims to resolve all open issues between the two sides once and for all through a legally binding agreement on a comprehensive normalization of Belgrade-Prishtina relations,\” said Kocijancic in response to Tanjug\’s question on the consequences of the adoption of the Trepçe statute in a final deal between the two Balkan neighbors.

Kocijancic’s comments immediately provoked the condemnation of Kosovo’s prime Minister Ramush Haradinaj, who called the statement as “unprecedented, unacceptable and contrary to Kosovo’s sovereignty,” adding that the European Union had “lost its way”.

“Trepçe is not an open issue between Kosovo and Serbia and the people of Kosovo and its institutions will not allow fake topics to be created that clearly seek the division of Kosovo,” Haradinaj wrote on his Facebook page.

Echoing Haradinaj’s comments, the former chief negotiator of the Kosovo negotiating team in the Belgrade-Prishtina talks, Edita Tahiri, strongly rebuffed Kocijancic’s comments, telling BIRN that the EU Chief of Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Federica Mogherini, has lost the credibility required to be a unbiased facilitator of the dialogue between Kosovo and Serbia.

“I strongly condemn such a scandalous war inspiring statement by the Office of Mogherini, which shows that Mrs. Mogherini is siding with Serbia. This is not an EU position, but only that of some officials which are taking the wrong side,” Tahiri said.

EU comments have sparked fears that the Trepçe mine, Europe\’s largest lead-zinc and silver ore mine located in the north of Kosovo, may be included in a final land-swap deal secretly being negotiated with US and Russian help, which may end up granting the area to Serbia’s territory.

However, Kosovo’s deputy PM and former foreign minister Enver Hoxhaj wrote on Twitter last night that the Trepçe mining complex would never be included in a final bilateral deal.

“It is absolutely unacceptable to see EU officials releasing immature statements that can harm the process of dialogue with Serbia. Kosovo’s national resources will never be part of the dialogue,” Hoxhaj said.

The Trepçe mine ownership, once one of the biggest companies in Yugoslavia, was transferred to Kosovo’s government through a special law approved by Kosovo’s parliament in 2015, however, the bill was judged ad unconstitutional  by Kosovo’s Supreme Court in 2016.

Since 2011, Kosovo has engaged in a high level dialogue with Serbia mediated by the European Union. Following a deadlock over the past two years, the two countries have hinted they may be close to a final agreement with US and Russian blessing which may culminate with Kosovo\’s recognition by Serbia.

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The comments come as Putin was warmly received by Serbia’s President Aleksandar Vucic in Belgrade last week, where the two leaders announced closer military and energy bilateral ties.

While the two countries pledged to further deepen their historic and economic ties, Putin delivered several important messages on Kosovo, which may hint a possible deal being negotiated on a final solution.

Both Serbia and Russia, as well as five EU states have refused to recognize Kosovo’s independence, largely supported by the US and its NATO allies.

Echoing Serbian concerns over recent developments in Kosovo, Putin told journalists in Belgrade that Russia maintains its support for UN Security Council Resolution 1244, adding that that recent decisions from Prishtina to introduce a 100% tariff on Serbian goods and the creation of a new Kosovo National Army, have cause serious tensions in the Balkans.

“Russia shares the concern of Serbian leadership and citizens because these moves can lead to a destabilization of the Balkans. Russia, like Serbia, is interested in keeping the Balkans stable and safe”, Putin said in a joint press conference with President Vucic in Belgrade.

However, Putin’s comments in Belgrade, come amid allegations of a possible deal between Belgrade and Prishtina on a land-swap which could lead to a final solution of Kosovo’s recognition.

The possible deal has already received US support and may be discussed in the EU mediated talks between the two countries.

During a recent interview with RFE/RL, US National Security Advisor John Bolton said “there are new signs that both governments very quietly may be willing to negotiate on this. Our policy, the U.S. policy, is that if the two parties can work it out between themselves and reach agreement, we don’t exclude territorial adjustments. It’s really not for us to say.”

Echoing the position a few days later, the EU’s  Neighborhood & Enlargement Commissioner Johannes Hahn hinted that the “European Union may accept a possible border deal between Kosovo and Serbia if agreed bilaterally first”, in direct contradiction to German Chancellor Angela Merkel who had earlier said that borders in the Balkans were inviolable.

Despite criticisms on the failure of the Europeans to produce any results, Putin recognized the mediating role of the EU and hinted Russia may be ready to accept a bilateral deal, adding that a compromise is needed.

\”Russia is ready to cooperate with everyone, but that it is important and that international law is respected and that a solution, a just solution is found. We need to convince our partners that if we want peace in the Balkans, we have to find a compromise and maintain it,\” Putin said.

The statement suggests there may be agreement between Russia, the US and the European Union on finalizing a deal between Prishtina and Belgrade which would lead to a formal recognition of Kosovo by the United Nations.

The visit of Putin comes as Serbia is currently negotiating with Brussels on its future EU membership, which requires Serbia to fulfill a set of political and justice criteria before it joins.

Despite recent massive protests against Vucic’s repressive policies on media freedom and political violence, hundreds of thousands of people flocked to the streets of Belgrade to welcome Vladimir Putin to their capital.

\”I wish to thank you sincerely for investing a lot of energy, effort, work, time, respect, and love in the progress and development of Serbian-Russian relations. Thank you also for supporting Serbia\’s independence and its integrity. Russia could always count on having an ally in Serbia,\” Vucic told Putin.

The warm reception has raised eye bowers across EU capitals as Serbia expects to become member of the European Union by 2025. The EU has conditioned its membership on the normalization of relations with Kosovo which should eventually lead to a formal recognition of the small new country, which until 11 years ago used to be its breakaway province.

To date, 103 out of 193 UN member states have recognized Kosovo as an independent republic. 

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In a letter sent to Kosovo’s President Hashim Thaçi, US President Trump says that both Kosovo and Serbia should make use of this unique chance of reconciliation, referring to the latest efforts by both Kosovan and Serbian leaders to reach a deal between the two countries.

Trump’s intervention comes as EU mediated talks between Prishtina and Belgrade have come to a deadlock, with EU leaders increasingly unable to advance peace talks.

It also confirms the growing frustration from Washington that the European Union has not been able to produce more tangible progress in the Balkans as the region slides into further economic uncertainty and is increasingly vulnerable to \’external\’ influences from Russia, China and Turkey.

Trump praised the latest signals for a possible deal from both countries and hinted such an accord could be celebrated in Washington under US supervision.

“We stand ready to assist your efforts to reach an agreement that balances the interests of both Kosovo and Serbia. Such an agreement is within reach. I look forward to hosting you and President Aleksandar Vucic at the White House to celebrate what would be and historic accord”, – Trump told Thaçi in his letter.

Trump’s unexpected intervention comes weeks after both Thaçi and Vucic recently ‘flirted’ with a controversial land swap deal which could culminate with Kosovo’s recognition by Serbia, which still regards it as its  province.

Following the suggestions of a territorial exchange back in August, White House national-security adviser John Bolton said “The United States will not oppose a possible exchange of territories between Kosovo and Serbia as long as both Prishtina and Belgrade agree to a ‘mutually satisfactory settlement’.”

The offer to host both Thaçi and Vucic in at the White House comes also as a tit-for-tat set of exchanges is currently going on between Brussels and Prishtina, after Kosovo’s government introduced 100% tariffs on Serbian goods entering Kosovo, in retaliation to Serbian efforts to block Kosovo’s membership at the Interpol.  

Kosovan citizens and its political class have been increasingly frustrated at the slow pace of the European Union to liberalize its visa regime for Kosovo’s 2m citizens visiting the Schenghen area.

In addition to tariffs, last week Kosovo’s parliament voted unanimously to convert its security force into a proper national army, prompting anger and threats from Serbia.

The EU opposes the idea of a ‘land swap’ and has not been happy that Kosovo unilaterally established its own army. The US has spoken in favor of both moves, hinting at a growing disagreement between Brussels and Washington on how to handle the relationship between Prishtina and Belgrade.  

Tirana Echo understands that a similar letter has also been sent to Serbia’s President Aleksandar Vucic, confirming US plans to step in and accelerate the slow negotiations between the two countries, so far mediated by the EU Foreign policy Chief Federica Mogherini, whose mandate ends ahead of the May 2019 European elections which will see the composition of a new European Parliament and Commission in Brussels.

The United States is Kosovo’s largest financial and political sponsor as in 1999 it led a military NATO intervention to free its predominantly ethnic Albanian population from Yugoslav President Slobodan Milosevic as well as strongly backing the new Balkan country’s world recognitions, so far standing at 116 countries.

Kosovo declared independence from Serbia in 2008 and hopes to join NATO and the European Union in the future. However, the new country is not recognized by Russia, China, Serbia and 5 other EU member states  which fear dissidence with their own regions wishing to break away.

The US hopes that a possible deal ending with Kosovo’s recognition by Serbia, would unlock the knot and make it easier for other international recognitions desperately needed for Kosovo to become a full member of the United Nations.  

“Failure to capitalize on this unique opportunity would be a tragic setback, as another chance for comprehensive peace is unlikely to occur again soon,” – said Trump in his letter to Thaçi.

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However the United States and neighboring Albania have supported the move which further consolidates the control of Prishtina over the territory of Kosovo, which Serbia still refuses to recognize as an independent state.

107 out of 120 MPs in Kosovo’s Parliament voted unanimously in favor of the new army while ethnic Serbian political groups boycotted the vote, calling on their people not to recognize the new army.

The vote will see around 4000 troops of the Kosovo Security Force transform into a small army, eventually growing into 5000 permanent troops and several thousand reserve soldiers over the next few years.

A symbolic ceremony with Kosovo’s troops was attended by Kosovo’s President Hashim Thaçi wearing a military jacket as the army\’s commander, Prime Minister Ramush Haradinaj and Parliament Speaker Kadri Veseli. All three used to hold top leading positions at the Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA) more than a decade ago, which led the independence resistance movement against Yugoslavia’s infamous President Slobodan Milosevic and his ruthless paramilitary campaign on ethnic Albanians in the area.

Responding to NATO and EU concerns, President Thaçi said the new army will be a \”multi-ethnic force serving all regardless of religion or ethnicity”.

PM Haradinaj added that \”the army will never turn against any one,\” and that his wish was that one day they will be serving for peace together with Serbia\’s army in the region.

The United States praised the vote and called on the Government of Kosovo to continue its close coordination with NATO allies and partners and to engage in outreach to minority communities now and throughout the years-long process ahead.

“The United States reaffirms its support for the gradual transition of the Kosovo Security Force (KSF) to a force with a territorial defense mandate, as is Kosovo’s sovereign right.  The vote in the Assembly today is the first step in developing this capability” – read a statement by the US Embassy in Prishtina.

However, the move has angered neighboring Serbia which still considers Kosovo its own province.

“The decision is an act against peace and an act of political aggression against our country, which aims to round off the process of the violent separation of a part of the territory of the Republic of Serbia, and the creation of an Albanian independent state, the so-called \’Republic of Kosovo\’,” – said Marko Djuric who oversees Kosovo on behalf of the Serbian government.

 Serbian president Aleksandar Vucic condemned the decision as unlawful.

“There is nothing in international law to grant them the right to form an army. Everything Pristina does – is done with the support of the United States and Great Britain”, – said Vucic, who later added that Serbia has been \”pushed to the edge\” and now has no choice but to \”defend itself”.

NATO, which still is responsible for around 4000 international troops in Kosovo since its military offensive against Belgrade in 1998, has expressed concerns about the move.

\”I regret that this decision was made despite the concerns expressed by NATO,\” the Alliance’s Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said on Friday, adding that the North Atlantic Council will now have to re-examine the level of engagement with the Kosovo Security Force.

However, Kosovo’s decision to establish its own army has been hailed as historic by Albania’s political spectrum.

Tirana has praised the decision as the fruit of years of contribution from all political forces and the people of Kosovo, in their legitimate right of a sovereign and independent country.

“We support the Government of Kosovo in ensuring that the transformation of the Security Force is done gradually, in cooperation with NATO allies and to be all-inclusive”, – said a statement from the Albanian Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs.

Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama congratulated Kosovo’s President Hashim Thaçi through a photo on Twitter while Albanian President Ilir Meta said the historic decision to create its own armed forces is proof that “Kosovo is capable to take new responsibilities in building democratic institutions and to contribute towards peace, stability and good neighborly relations in the region”.

Enraged at the decision to go ahead with its own army, Serbian Foreign Minister and First Deputy PM Ivica Dacic said Serbia will ask for the UN Security Council to meet urgently because of the crudest violation of its Resolution 1244.

\”That is the most direct threat to peace and stability in the region, and to security of the Serb people who live in Kosovo and Metohija,\” Dacic told Tanjug.

However, there was no official statement from the Serbian Foreign Ministry, suggesting its politicians are issuing statements for internal consumption only. 

Belgrade and Prishtina are involved in ongoing but currently stalled EU mediated talks to sort out their differences, while Serbia is under international pressure to recognize its  former province as an independent country before it can consider joining the European Union.

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Vucic, who earlier in the day had been visiting the north of Kosovo to meet with representatives of Serbian minority, was notified his visit had been cut in half after Kosovo’s Prime Minister Ramush Haradinaj announced on his Facebook account the official permission to visit Banje was annulled.

Hardinaj made the announcement following several road blocks by ethnic Albanians and over 200 war veterans in the Drenica area, who demanded an apology from Vucic over war crimes during the Kosovo war before he could enter the area.

Several had parked cars in the form of barricades and others held up slogans such as \”Vucic does not go through\”, \”Vucic Go Back\” \”Those who committed genocide against innocent people cannot go through”.

\”I am very sorry I couldn\’t come because the authorities in Prishtina didn\’t want me to,\” Vucic told residents of the Serb-populated enclave over a telephone conversation.

Reacting to the incident, Kosovo’s President President Hashim Thaci said he understands the reaction of Kosovo’s citizens given that the war’s pain and wounds were still fresh. However, he warned this was not the way to move forward as a country.

\”We should know to rise beyond ourselves, and leave our wounds and pain to the past, on behalf of peace and reconciliation,\” Thaci wrote on Facebook.

Vucic was in Kosovo for a two-day visit amid speculation that the two president are secretly negotiating a deal which would involve an exchange of territories and full normalization of relations which could lead to the recognition of Kosovo’s independence by Serbia.

Both the United States and the European Union have hinted they will accept a bilaterally negotiated deal. 

However, Vucic later said on Serbian TV that Serbia would never recognize Kosovo’s independence.

Kosovo declared independence from Serbia in 1999 following a NATO led bombing campaign against the Milosevic regime which had forced the majority of ethnic Albanians to flee their homes to neighboring Macedonia and Albania.

Serbian politicians are reluctant to publicly accept the independent Republic of Kosovo, claiming that Kosovo is the cradle of Serbian civilization, although behind the scenes they talk of a ‘fait accompli’.

So far, 117 countries have recognized Kosovo as an independent state while Russia strongly objects to a possible UN recognition of the young Balkan state.

Five EU member states are yet to recognize Kosovo while the European Union recently recommended the liberalization of the visa regime for Kosovo’s citizens.

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