New tensions between Kosovo and Serbia. Pristina reports “arbitrary” actions at the border. Possibly a revenge act by Belgrade.
Pristina/Belgrade - Kosovo denounces Serbia's actions at the border crossings. According to this, coaches carrying Kosovar citizens would be “arbitrarily” stopped and ID cards confiscated. One sees a “retaliatory action” by Serbia since the vote on Kosovo’s membership in the Council of Europe took place on Wednesday.
Serbia's Foreign Minister Ivica Dacic had previously spoken of a “day of shame” in this context. Serbia does not see Kosovo as a state, and Pristina does not meet the minimum requirements in terms of human and fundamental rights, it was said from Belgrade. Dacic is referring to the tense situation surrounding the Serb minority in northern Kosovo. In Belgrade, Pristina is accused of oppression. Dacic spoke of a “course of terror”.
Kosovo escalation threatens: Ministry denounces “arbitrary measures”.
Despite the allegations, the parliamentary assembly of the Council of Europe voted with a large majority on Wednesday in favor of admitting Kosovo. However, the final decision on admission is made by the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe. This is still pending.
“A few hours after the vote,” Serbia began stopping buses at various border crossings, Kosovo’s Foreign Ministry said in a statement on Wednesday. The Serbian border officials refused to allow buses to pass through both at a border crossing between Serbia and Croatia and at two border crossings between Hungary and Serbia. In addition, the fines have been fixed and are not allowed to go forward or back. In addition, the documents of all passengers and those of the buses were “confiscated”. Some people have been arrested and are still being questioned.
“Retaliatory action” by Serbia? Kosovo Prime Minister speaks out
The ministry speaks of “arbitrary measures” and a “retaliatory action” by Belgrade. This was “announced a few days ago by Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić himself” if the decision on Kosovo's accession to the Council of Europe was positive. In its message, the Foreign Ministry appeals to all compatriots and citizens “to avoid transit through Serbia at all costs and to monitor the situation closely.”
Albin Kurti, Prime Minister of Kosovo, also spoke. He also spoke via Twitter of a “retaliatory action” against civilians. 300 citizens (including children) were “arbitrarily detained at the border.” They were also deprived of food and medicine. Kurti sees a “gross violation of human rights”.
It was only in January that Kosovo banned the Serbian currency, the dinar, which led to new tensions. In February, Serbia began to arm itself militarily, which sparked concern in Kosovo. Previously, the conflict over license plates had escalated regularly over the years. There are also worrying reports that Vladimir Putin wants to provoke a new front in the Balkans. Serbia's government is considered to be friendly to Russia. (rist)