French President urges Kosovo revoke tax on Serbian goods

Gazeta Express

15/02/2020 13:38

French President, Emmanuel Macron, wrote a letter to his Kosovo counterpart hashim Thaci congratulating 12^th anniversary of the Independence of Kosovo.

Macron in his letter which was published by Kosovo President has expressed his readiness that jointly with German Chancellor, Angela Merkel and the EU High Representative, Josep Borrell, to organise a Summit in Paris aimed at resumption of Kosovo-Serbia dialogue. French President said that in order to achieve this, Kosovo should revoke tax on imports of Serbia and Bosnia-Herzegovina. He also said Serbia should stop its campaign against the independence of the Republic of Kosovo.

This is the full letter of the President of France, Emmanuel Macron as published Kosovo Presdident’s Office:

Mr. President,

On the occasion of the national holiday of the Republic of Kosovo, I am happy to address my sincere congratulations on my behalf and on behalf of the French people.

Since 2008, our two countries have built a a relationship of friendship marked by trust. France stands alongside Kosovo to help it overcome the challenges it faces today, particularly in consolidating the rule of law, economic and social development, within the framework of the French strategy for the Western Balkans which I adopted last spring. The French Development Agency plans to start work in Kosovo this year. Our bilateral cooperation also supports the European reform agenda in the country.

I also want to greet the good development of the legislative elections of October 6th and the recent formation of the new Kosovo government. It is important for Kosovo to continue its efforts to implement the necessary internal reforms and to be firmly committed to seeking an agreement with Serbia.

As I have mentioned on November 12 last year, during the Peace Forum in Paris, you can count on my support and willingness to welcome, in Paris, a summit bringing together the leaders of Kosovo and Serbia with the German Chancellor, Angela Merkel and EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell, to facilitate the resumption of the dialogue. Action is expected from both sides: the suspension of the 100% tax on products from Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina by Kosovo; and the suspension of the “derecognition” campaign by Serbia. Following the resumption of the dialogue, it is the turn of the European Union, with the support of France, to facilitate talks between the two sides with the aim to reach a comprehensive, final and legally binding agreement.

Renewing my warm congratulations, please accept, Mr. President, the expressions of my highest consideration. /GazetaExpress/