The American ambassador in Pristina, Jeffrey M. Hovenier, has said that Kosovo’s decision to implement the decision of the Central Bank of the country to ban the Serbian dinar has affected the quality of relations between the United States and the Government of Kosovo.

Hovenier made the comments while speaking to journalists in Pristina on Thursday, where he said that the statements of American officials were clear that Kosovo should postpone the decision to implement the regulation.

“We hoped that the Government of Prime Minister Albin Kurti would commit, as partners do, to solve this issue together, instead of taking actions unilaterally. We are concerned that Kurti’s Government has not done this. Any suggestion that things are okay, that we all agree with each other, is simply not true. We are concerned and frustrated, and I think Assistant Secretary O’Brien’s tone reflects that very clearly,” Hovenier said.

“Let me emphasize how problematic it is that our governments do not seem to be working in partnership with each other. Therefore, I want us to avoid other things like this”, he added.

“I am concerned that now the Kosovar politicians in their interviews are saying that this will not have an impact on our partnership. I want to repeat that this is not true. As O’Brien said, this situation has already affected our partnership. We ask Kosovo and Serbia to engage constructively. Serbia should be allowed to offer aid that includes pensions, health aid and education,” said Hovenier.

We remind that the new regulation of the Central Bank of Kosovo – which determines that the euro is the only currency that can be used for cash payments throughout the country – entered into force on February 1.