European leaders are gathering in Brussels on Dec. 8 to organize a collective response to the growing debt crisis -- but it's not only the euro that endangers European unity. Lost in the headlines is the possibility of renewed violence in the western Balkans, which threatens to roll back the significant progress we have made in the region over the past 15 years. The deteriorating security situation in northern Kosovo requires an urgent, united, and focused transatlantic response that re-commits us to helping bring the countries of the region into Europe and the West. Unfortunately -- judging by German Chancellor Angela Merkel's recent statements suggesting Serbia may not be offered EU candidate status this year -- we may miss an important opportunity to calm tensions and move the region toward Euro-Atlantic integration.
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Last week, the U.N. envoy in Kosovo called the situation in the north "extremely volatile," noting that "combined factors of frustration, fear, and mistrust could easily and quickly provide the spark that could ignite violence." The fact is, we have already begun to see violence.
Last week, more than two dozen NATO soldiers were hospitalized with gunshot wounds and broken bones when clashes broke out with local Serb protesters in northern Kosovo. The NATO troops were attempting to remove roadblocks in the north in order to ensure freedom of movement and supply lines for their forces.
The United States and our European allies support the right of all people to protest peacefully. However, violence against NATO troops attempting to maintain the peace is absolutely unacceptable. Attacks will do nothing to advance the objectives of Kosovar Serbs and will only isolate them further in the transatlantic community. NATO leadership has responded that it will use "all means available" to defend its troops, and the entire alliance will stand behind them.
One can understand, in today's current economic climate, why European eyes are turned inwards, as our close allies in Brussels, Berlin, Paris, and elsewhere attempt to stem the growing contagion within the eurozone borders. However, the situation in Kosovo and Serbia calls out for attention and transatlantic leadership. At a time when economic and security challenges are all around us, our alliance cannot forget about its own backyard.
Serbian President Boris Tadic has rightly called for the dismantling of the barricades in northern Kosovo, saying that they "do not defend a single national interest." I agree with President Tadic, and believe that all people in the region, Serbians and Albanians alike, have absolutely nothing to gain -- and much to lose -- by a return to violence. I would echo Tadic's call for all sides to demonstrate restraint at such a tense and dangerous time.
There is no appropriate military solution to the dispute in northern Kosovo. The alternative -- a sustainable, peaceful resolution -- will require time, patience, and diplomatic creativity. Leaders in both Kosovo and Serbia have boldly decided to return to the negotiating table to continue important technical talks, despite the unrest and the political difficulties these negotiations have prompted. This renewed round of discussions follows on several months of progress, particularly with respect to customs and border issues.
These talks need to accomplish much more, and both sides need to demonstrate their serious commitment to progress in the days and months ahead. None of us should allow a small number of extremist forces to undermine the significant progress being made between Kosovo and Serbia, and the United States and Europe should redouble our efforts to give political cover to both sides as they engage in politically difficult -- but necessary -- discussions on the future of their relationship.
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