Gabriel Escobar called on leaders in the Western Balkans to focus on reconciliation

 US Special Envoy for the Western Balkans Gabriel Escobar called on regional leaders to focus on multiethnic reconciliation. He added that "Open Balkans" is a positive initiative, but it should include all countries, because in practice it will not work without all countries in the region. He said this in an interview with the Albanian service of Voice of Amarica radio, calling on leaders in the region to reconcile.

 "I would say that we need to focus on multiethnic reconciliation, regional economic integration, European standards and creating opportunities within the Western Balkans that will benefit all people. In fact, I think that the Albanian government started this with the Open Balkans initiative, which we consider to be a positive development in the region, so I see a bright future in this part of the world. "We want to be part of this process and I know that the European Union has the same position," Escobar said.

 "And these are the conditions under which we support (this initiative): first, to meet the Berlin standards set by the European Union. And secondly, to be open to all countries, because in practice it will not work without all countries. Pipelines and highways cannot be interrupted. You can't have a free trade zone if you have to stop halfway and wait five hours in a truck. Because, in the end, a free trade area means that it is necessary to have institutions that can effectively manage goods and money. So, there are two conditions: openness to all and adherence to appropriate standards and institutions. These are the conditions for our support for this project, concluded Escobar.

 "I will soon be traveling to the region with Miroslav Lajcak, the EU Special Representative for the Belgrade-Pristina dialogue, to emphasize my support for the dialogue and to show our commitment to the dialogue. This is a dialogue led by the European Union, but we strongly support it. And I hope we make progress. But I must say that in this regard, the issue of Serbia and Kosovo concerns not only the United States and Europe, but also our colleagues in the region. In that regard, I would say Albania is very useful, Escobar said, stressing that Tirana is in talks with both countries and supports the United States in its efforts to establish stable relations between Serbia and Kosovo.