Serbia introduced that it will authorize automobiles with Kosovo license plates to enter the nation, in a transfer that’s anticipated to resolve the long-standing drawback between the 2 neighbors.
With Kosovo’s 2008 declaration of independence from Serbia, a transfer which Belgrade together with its key allies Russia and China refuse to acknowledge, automobile plates turned a flashpoint over their show of nationwide symbols that former warring foes each object to.
Until now, automobiles from both Kosovo or Serbia may cross the border provided that they positioned stickers to cover the respective symbols.
The head of Serbia’s workplace for Kosovo didn’t specify if the follow would proceed underneath the brand new rules.
The determination was made to “enable freedom of movement to all vehicles” from Kosovo, state-run RTS reported on Monday, quoting the pinnacle of Serbia’s workplace for Kosovo Petar Petkovic.
The determination will start to be applied ranging from January 1, Petkovic mentioned, however underlined {that a} “disclaimer” might be posted on each border crossing.
“Allowing all vehicles to enter traffic… is purely a practical decision, to ease the position of individuals and their freedom of movement and cannot be interpreted as recognizing unilaterally declared independence of so-called Kosovo,” Petkovic mentioned.
Serbia agreed to acknowledge Kosovo license plates and vice versa after a European Union (EU) mediated deal in 2011, however the determination was by no means totally applied.
The EU on Tuesday welcomed Serbia’s “positive step.”
“It demonstrates that making progress in the process of normalization of relations between Kosovo and Serbia is possible,” EU overseas affairs spokesman Peter Stano.
“This decision paves the way for full abolishment of the sticker regime. The EU now expects Kosovo to respond in a similar manner,” Stano mentioned on social media.
Last yr, Kosovo pulled again from the controversial determination to penalize drivers who didn’t swap car license plates issued by Serbia for these issued by Pristina.
Kosovo Serb minority — which stays loyal to Belgrade and nonetheless considers itself part of Serbia regardless of Kosovo’s 2008 recognition of independence – reacted first by leaving the native administration in Serb-majority north Kosovo, after which by organising roadblocks, often clashing with the police.
But since then, “99%” of Kosovo Serbs voluntarily swapped license plates for Pristina-issued ones, Petkovic mentioned, explaining that the transfer was obligatory for his or her every day lives.
There has been no response but from the Kosovo authorities if they might reciprocate the measure initiated by Serbia.
Source: www.dailysabah.com