(ANSA) - PRISTINA, APRIL 1 - The United States reacted negatively to the decision announced yesterday evening by the Kosovar interim premier Albin Kurti, to temporarily abolish the tariffs increased by 100% imposed on goods imported from Serbia.

The US Embassy in Pristina announced in a statement that the US opposes the principle of reciprocity contained in Kurti's decision, which implies that Serbia will have to respect Kosovar rules and regulations. The abolition of tariffs, Kurti said, will run until June 15 when its implementation by Serbia will be assessed. "The United States has made it clear that Kosovo must abolish all tariffs, and not create new barriers and obstacles, as such a policy harms Kosovar citizens and suffocates Kosovo's economy." According to the US, trade measures based on the principle of reciprocity with Serbia "create more problems at a time when the United States believes that the agreements on air, road and rail connections reached by the two sides should be implemented favoring economic growth and creating the necessary conditions for a successful dialogue." (ANSA)