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EU is mediating with Kosovo and Serbia to smooth out crises

Hahn in touch with leaders. EU asks for rule of law respect

23 November, 17:38
(ANSA) - BRUXELLES, 23 NOV - European Commissioner for Enlargement Johannes Hahn is in contact with the political leaders of Kosovo and Serbia, and the EU is committed at all levels with the authorities of the two countries to avoid that on-going crisis between Pristina and Belgrade falls apart, EU sources said today.

"All the responsible institutions in Kosovo must to fully uphold the rule of law," said EU spokesperson Maja Kocijancic, after inter-ethnic tensions between the Serbian and Albanian population peaked. In the last days, Pristina decided to set 100% tariffs on goods imported from Serbia and Bosnia-Herzegovina, and four Serbs were arrested in Northern Kosovo, in connection with the murder of Kosovo Serb leader Oliver Ivanovic in January. "We have strongly condemned" the murder of Ivanovic, and "we expect that the relevant Kosovo Rule of Law authorities spare no effort to find the perpetrators and bring them to justice without delay," Kocijancic pointed out.

When it comes to duties increase set by Pristina, the spokesperson stressed that "in the Stabilisation and Association Agreement between Kosovo and the EU, Kosovo has committed to continue to implement CEFTA." This agreement "does not allow for arbitrary imposition of tariffs on products from one or other countries", she added. (ANSA).

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