U.S. Diplomacy

Exactly one month to the day, Serb rioters broke into the U.S. embassy in Belgrade in a public display of their anger towards the United State for their recognition of Kosovo as an independent state.  International Crisis Group completed an excellent briefing this week summarizing the events of the last month and laying out several key steps that could help alleviate the situation.  It is well worth a click.  Here is the full report, and if you prefer to read the condensed version, here’s the overview.  While we are on Kosovo, FPA recently hosted Frank Wisner, Special Representative of the Secretary of State to the Kosovo Status talks.  Check out the video.

Breaking news: U.S. Embassy broke into and set afire by Serbian protestors. Here’s the brief from International Herald Tribune,”Serb rioters broke into the U.S. Embassy Thursday and set fire to an office after a massive protest against Kosovo’s independence that drew an estimated 150,000 people.

Masked attackers broke into the building, which has been closed this week, and tried to throw furniture from an office. A blaze broke out inside one of the offices and parts of the facade also caught fire.

Authorities drove armored jeeps down the street and fired tear gas to clear the crowd. The protesters dispersed into side streets where they continued clashing with authorities.

The neighboring Croatian Embassy also was attacked by the same group of protesters.

In Washington, State Department spokesman Sean McCormack strongly urged the Serbian government to protect the U.S. Embassy. He said the U.S. ambassador was at his home and was in contact with U.S. officials.”

This is an open thread for anyone who would like to comment on the volatile situation.