The Government of Kosovo, for EU sanctions/ "Any measures against us would be unfair"

2023-06-14 18:20:55, Kosova & Bota CNA

The Government of Kosovo, for EU sanctions/ "Any measures against us would

The Government of Kosovo said that they have not received any official notification that the European Union has undertaken sanctions against Kosovo due to the non-escalation of the situation in the north.

"We continue to believe that any measure against Kosovo would be unfair and barbaric," said Përparim Kryeziu, spokesman for the Government, for Radio Free Europe.

He added that "it is difficult to justify how the European Union can take negative measures towards Kosovo".

“[The European Union] in its latest report on the country [Kosovo] describes it in the most positive light ever, both in the fight against crime and corruption, in democratization, in economic development, and in the advancement of the legal framework in accordance with the EU Acquis", he said.

Some diplomatic sources have told Radio Free Europe on June 13 that the European Union has prepared initial measures, such as sanctions against Kosovo due to the disregard of requests for immediate steps by the Government of Kosovo to reduce tensions in the north.

While on June 14, the spokesperson of the European Union, Peter Stano, said that the EU does not exclude the possibility that Kosovo will face other measures, if the Government of this country does not fulfill the international requirements.

"There are a number of measures, or proposals for a number of measures. Some of them have already entered into force immediately. Some of them are still being discussed and the member countries will implement them gradually, if there is no change in the approach of the Kosovo authorities. The spectrum is relatively broad," Stano said during a press conference.

The EU and the United States have presented Kurti with three demands: calming the situation in the north, holding new elections in the four municipalities in the north and returning to the dialogue for the normalization of Kosovo-Serbia relations.

But, Kurti has presented a plan of five points.

Kurti's five-point plan for reducing tensions in the north

1. The rule of law in the four municipalities in the north, which means the identification, prosecution and fair trial of all members of the criminal groups that have attacked the Police, NATO troops and journalists

2. Violent groups should immediately withdraw from the territory of Kosovo and any criminal act against the institutions of Kosovo should be prohibited

3. The Kosovo Police, members of NATO and EULEX to carry out joint security assessments, to guarantee a safe and risk-free environment for everyone.

4. The Government of Kosovo should coordinate with all actors and announce early elections in the four municipalities in the north

5. Kosovo and Serbia to return to the dialogue mediated by Brussels, and a high-level meeting to be held during this week

"Kosovo and its institutions, all they are looking for and aiming for is respect for the Constitution and the rule of law. These are values ??of the European Union. The European Union has a special mission in Kosovo for the Rule of Law, called EULEX", added Kryeziu.

Tensions in the north of Kosovo, inhabited by a majority of Serbs, have increased since May 26, when the Kosovo Police helped the Albanian mayors of Zveçan, Zubin Potok and Leposavic municipalities to settle in municipal facilities, despite the resistance of local residents.

These presidents were elected on April 23, votes that were boycotted by Serbian parties and the local population./ REL