The United States announced today that any withdrawal of Serbian forces on the border with Kosovo would be a “welcome measure” after Belgrade announced it would restore its troop numbers to “normal” levels.

“We are waiting to see if this is confirmed. But if it is true, it will be a welcome step,” the US State Department spokesman said. Matthew Miller.

His representative State Department he also said the United States has not verified reports that Serbia has withdrawn personnel and equipment from an area near Kosovo, adding that Washington remains concerned about the cycle of escalating violence and sporadic violent incidents in northern Kosovo.

The commander of the Serbian army, Gen Milan Moisilovic, said today that his country has withdrawn some troops stationed near the border with Kosovo, following an increase in their numbers and deployment following a gun battle in northern Kosovo in which four people were killed. He also said that the level of forces along “the administrative line with Kosovo has returned to normal”.