Kosovo’s Ministry for Foreign Affairs decided two days ago to ban Serbian officials enter Kosovo in order to campaign.
After official Belgrade’s complaint, EU Spokesperson Maja Kocijancic told FaktePlus that parties should behave in line with the reached agreements in Brussels, but in this case, also in accordance with Kosovo laws.
Jetlir Zyberaj, adviser to the Acting Foreign Minister Behgjet Pacolli, said Kosovo authorities made this decision after coming from official Belgrade.
“6 October elections are elections of Kosovo and its citizens. Belgrade officials cannot and should not be allowed to make election campaign in Kosovo elections. And neither will threats coming from Belgrade against Kosovo Serb community be tolerated,” Zyberaj wrote.
He added that official Belgrade is aware of the reality in Kosovo and should behave in accordance with it, by respecting Kosovo’s Constitution and laws.
Deputy director of Serbia’s Office for Kosovo was also banned from entering Kosovo.
In its reaction, this office criticized also the international community for lack of reaction.
“Silence of the representatives of the international community in Pristina, who in silence observe escalation of political violence against Serb population, is very concerning,” read their reaction.
EU officials said dialogue agreement defines modalities and officials should undergo a notifying procedure.
“All the other officials from Kosovo or Serbia who do not undergo a notifying procedure have the right to benefit from the disposition for the freedom of movement. We expect all the agreements reached within the EU-facilitated dialogue to be respected and implemented during the election campaign,” Kocijancic said.
“Banning Serbian officials from entering Kosovo is not in accordance or in line with these reached agreements. All those who are part of the election campaign in Kosovo, are expected to act in accordance with Kosovo laws and international standards,” she said.