Kosovo’s Minister without portfolio Edita Tahiri told the news site on Thursday that the issue of the Trepca mining complex would under no circumstance be discussed in the Pristina-Belgrade dialogue. According to Tahiri, the red lines set in the dialogue with Belgrade do not allow for such topics to be addressed. She also said that the Constitution of Kosovo does not allow opening topics that are related to Kosovo’s wealth and territorial integrity.

The government of Serbia wants dialogue with Kosovo on the Trepca issue. What is the position of the government of Kosovo?

The position of the government of the Republic of Kosovo in the Brussels dialogue is based on red lines, which among other things note that the properties and wealth of the Republic of Kosovo will not be discussed in the Brussels dialogue. I can tell you that ever since dialogue started in 2011, the Serbian side has constantly asked to address such topics but we held a firm position. We categorically refuse to open topics related to the state sovereignty of the Republic of Kosovo. We do not discuss sovereignty-related issues with Serbia or with anyone else.

Why is Serbia so persistent on discussing Trepca?

Serbia constantly tries to open topics that it believes it will benefit from. Kosovo today is an independent and sovereign country. The Constitution of the Republic of Kosovo makes it clear that it guarantees the state wealth and sovereignty. We, the government, respect the red lines and the Constitution in the dialogue, and we will not agree to discuss issues that involve our sovereignty and territorial integrity.

What is the solution for Trepca? Should it be transformed into a public enterprise or should another model be found?

The Parliament of the Republic of Kosovo passed the law that saved Trepca from a liquidation process. This was a great success of both the government and the Parliament of Kosovo. As far as the next phase is concerned, the transformation of the mining complex into a public enterprise, I think there should be a strategy in place that includes all decisions and positions of all representatives of institutions and experts in the field, for transforming Trepca into a public company. I have trust in the expertise and strategies that come as a result of a serious engagement. The whole process must be in line with the Constitution of the Republic of Kosovo.

What is the message of the government of Kosovo for the miners who want to know what is happening with Trepca?

Prime Minister Mustafa wrote a letter explaining all the steps taken by the government and Parliament to save Trepca from liquidation. We have also assured them [the miners] that we will work on a visionary and sustainable strategy that is in the interest of Trepca and the government of Kosovo.