Prime Minister of Kosovo Ramush Haradinaj spoke about yesterday’s meeting with U.S. officials from the National Security Council saying that he explained Kosovo’s arguments about the need for dialogue with Serbia to continue and end in a legally binding agreement that would respect Kosovo’s existing borders. Speaking to reporters at the Kosovo Assembly, Haradinaj said a comprehensive agreement would also regulate the issue of free trade between Kosovo and Serbia.
Asked about U.S. insistence on the tax on imports from Serbia and Bosnia being suspended, Haradinaj said: “The U.S. request for tax suspension of course is convincing. There are two views: One is that the tax is seen as an obstacle to dialogue and the other as a tool to help the agreement being reached as soon as possible. For as long as the tax is in force, the time cost Serbia more than Kosovo.” Gazeta Express meanwhile quotes Haradinaj as saying that his position on the tax remains firm in that it will not be lifted until Serbia recognises independence of Kosovo
Haradinaj was also to comment on whether he thinks last night’s meeting between President Hashim Thaci and leader of the Democratic League of Kosovo (LDK) Isa Mustafa is a signal that early elections are imminent to which he said he sees nothing wrong in the meeting taking place. “I think meetings, consultations between political leaders are good. I also have continuous meetings with Mr. Mustafa and Vetevendosje leader Albin Kurti, Shpend Ahmeti from PSD and coalition parties. I think consultations are a good thing,” Haradinaj said.
