TIRANA, June  19 /ATA/ Prime Minister Edi Rama reacted on Monday following the statement of the spokesperson of the Department of State, Matthew Miller, about the release of three Kosovo policemen.

In a posting on social media, Rama emphasized that, “the longer these three men are held in Serbia, even if they have crossed the border, which is not tantamount to any crime, the less likely bilateral relations will not take many steps back. This will be the week of our bilateral ties hitting the cold ice once again unless they are released. On the other hand, if de-escalation does not happen, the big loser will be Kosovo, because Serbia may not be able to live without re-isolation,” Rama said.

“On the other hand, if de-escalation does not happen, the big loser will be Kosovo – because Serbia may not be able to live without being re-isolated! I am afraid that the more Albin perseveres in his stand against the allies, the more the situation can aggravate, putting KFOR back in charge! And then goodbye for who knows how long to the formal control of the state over the entire territory and enjoy a Republic of KFOR in the North of Kosovo! Albin, come out of the shell of self-isolation and do not lose the North by seeing enemies and traitors everywhere! The time is now and it is flying!”, wrote Rama.

Three Kosovo border officials were kidnapped on June 14 by Serbian forces during a border patrol in northern Kosovo. The police unit has been patrolling deep within the territory of Kosovo to prevent the use of illegal paths. On June 16, the  Higher Court in Krajlevo ordered the detention of the three police officers of Kosovo.

/k.s/sm/