Ex-US envoy warns political crisis is damaging Kosovo

A former US ambassador says Kosovo’s political deadlock is blocking progress and damaging relations with Washington and the European Union.

Jeffrey Hovenier told Radio Free Europe that rival parties must compromise to form a government and elect a president.

He says declining ties with the US have already halted the US-Kosovo Strategic Dialogue.

To rebuild relations with the Trump administration, Hovenier says Kosovo must act fast on two fronts.

First, the country must join regional natural gas projects. Second, leaders must work with Western allies to resolve ethnic Serb concerns.

"Washington's attention is not infinite," Hovenier warned, urging politicians to make decisions rather than delaying.

He stressed that without a working government, Kosovo cannot move toward the EU, attract foreign investment, or negotiate with Serbia.