Kosovo PM Kurti answers to Lajcak on extension of reciprocal measures with Serbia

Gazeta Express

31/05/2020 16:44

Kosovo’s caretaker prime minister, Albin Kurti, has reacted to the EU Special Representative, Miroslav Lajcak, who opposed a decision taken by Kurti’s Cabinet to extend reciprocal measures against Serbia and called on removal of such measures.

Kurti said denying the principle of reciprocity to Kosovo is to deny the exercise of its sovereign rights. “Kosova wants fair and just relations with its neighbours,” Kurti said answering to Lajcak’s Tweet. According to Kurti the dialogue is between two equals and Serbia must see Kosovo as an equal at every table.

“Denying the principle of reciprocity to the Republic of Kosova is to deny the exercise of its sovereign rights. Kosova wants fair and just relations with its neighbours. Dialogue is between two equals and Serbia must see Kosova as an equal at every table,” Kurti said.

“Since then, the Government did introduce reciprocity measures with Serbia – all in response to a wide range of non-tariff barriers which Serbia has in place against Kosova. When further barriers will be identified, further reciprocity measures will be applied,” Kurti said.

Kosovo’s caretaker government during a meeting on Saturday has extended its decision on reciprocal measures with Serbia. The new decision bans use of documents on import of agricultural and industrial products that use the names of countries containing other elements contrary to the Constitution of the Republic of Kosovo. The Government said the decision will remain into force indefinitely. /GazetaExpress/