The German government asked Kosovo to postpone plans for the implementation of the decision to make the euro its sole currency.

This follows concerns that the decision could exacerbate ethnic tensions by cutting off the flow of cash for ethnic Serbs in the north of the country.

“We strongly call on Kosovo to postpone the date of implementation until an acceptable solution is found”, said Christiane Hoffmann, government spokeswoman, to journalists in Berlin today.

She considered the decision on the currency an “important step with far-reaching consequences” that requires more time and preparation.