Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic said late last night, after the National Security Council session held in relation to Pristina’s decision to increase taxes on goods from the central Serbia by 100 percent, that this decision is neither civilized nor reasonable.
Vucic added Serbia would not introduce similar measures, since it wishes to remain a reliable partner. He further noted that everybody in the Government was assigned to specific tasks and would remain under full alertness.
Vucic also stressed this is an indicator one cannot count on rational acts by Pristina in the future, and that is why Serbia is concerned and anxious, not because Serbia is weak but rather because it is willing to preserve the peace.
“We have to undertake various measures to familiarize the world with all what has been done and in order to help our people in Kosovo and Metohija,” Vucic noted, adding the Government of Serbia would tomorrow address all the UN SC member-states and the EU, and would present all the facts related to the violation of the CEFTA agreement as well as Stabilization and Association Agreement.
He also kindly urged the Albanians to revoke the decision and to resort to the talks and compromise. “You have to make an agreement with us, not even Americans can help you, nor anyone else,” Vucic stressed.
Office for Kosovo and Metohija Director, Marko Djuric said this is so far the most severe blow against Serbia, citizens and the Serbs in Kosovo and Metohija by Pristina institutions. He added the blow is unprovoked, and it would have dire impact on the survival of the Serbs in Kosovo and on the economy in general.
Srpska Lista Chairman, Goran Rakic termed the decision of Pristina’s authorities as “unofficial declaration of war against Serbs in Kosovo and Metohija,” warning that humanitarian disaster threatens Kosovo and Metohija. Rakic added he would inform President Vucic at today’s meeting about the situation on the ground, saying Srpska Lista representatives would stand by their people.
Asked if participation in the Pristina’s institutions makes sense now, Rakic responded it would be the easiest way to walk out of there, but then the Serbian voice would not be heard.
Srpska Lista Deputy Chair, Igor Simic assessed Pristina’s decision as “an attack against the life in Kosovo and Metohija.”
“If in one day, in one moment, you decide to increase prices of all the products, it means that the salaries of all the Serbs in Kosovo and Metohija compared to yesterday have also decreased by 50 percent, because everything would cost double,” Simic said.
Minister of Finance, Sinisa Mali said decision is a result of Pristina’s rage because of the failure to join Interpol. Mali added it is scandalous decision and has nothing to do with a common sense.
Minister of European Integration, Jadranka Joksimovic said not only that Pristina does not implement its obligations but it is also creating setbacks. She noted this indicate a crucial lack of political will and capabilities on the side of Pristina to carry out international obligations they undertook and that there is a serious deficit of the capacities for a dialogue.
Deputy Prime Minister Zorana Mihajlovic said that Pristina is bringing down CEFTA and Brussels dialogue. She also linked Pristina’s decision on taxes with their failure to join Interpol.
Chairman of the Serbian Chamber of Commerce Marko Cadez said decision of Pristina’s authorities is irrational, a political decision that would harm companies in Kosovo, citizens, regional cooperation and the Balkans in general.
Foreign Affairs Minister, Ivica Dacic said that Serbia is facing “a trade war” and politics of impunity that Kosovo enjoys have led to that. He added the situation is difficult, since the measures are made to provoke a difficult political situation and reactions, and to force the international community to accept all Pristina’s demands.
“This is not a test for Serbia, this is the test for the EU, international organizations and for major world powers. They (Pristina) do not even go to the toilet, before asking somebody from the West,” Dacic told TV Pink.
“They cannot join international organizations, they will not get visa liberalization, they cannot force Serbia to recognize Kosovo, a number of countries that have recognized them is going down. Three years ago, they were 8 votes short to win a two-third majority support in Interpol, today they were 36 votes short. In a situation like this they are back to threats and the use of force,” Dacic stressed.
Minister of Trade and Infrastructure, Rasim Ljajic said decision of Pristina means preventing trade between Kosovo and central Serbia.
He added this is “par excellence” political decision that would have huge negative implications. He also linked Pristina’s decision on taxes with their failure to join Interpol and with mild and belated reaction of the international community on previous Pristina’s decision to increase taxes by 10 percent.
