US urges Western Balkans strengthen their democracies

PRISTINA, Kosovo (AP) — The United States has urged Western Balkan countries to intensify efforts to consolidate their democracies.

U.S. Assistant Secretary of State Victoria Nuland on Sunday started a Balkan tour in Kosovo and will follow with visits to Albania, Macedonia and Serbia.

She urged Pristina to further its dialogue with Serbia and also approve a border demarcation with Montenegro, a key step to convince EU countries to let its citizens enjoy visa-free travel, according to a statement from President Hashim Thaci’s press office.

Nuland called on Kosovo leaders to strengthen the rule of law, the justice system and the fight against corruption and organized crime as “fundamental for Kosovo’s advance.”