German embassy on the demolition of houses at Gazivode: Further actions should be halted, lawful solutions are needed

The German Embassy in Pristina stated that it shares the concerns expressed by the European Union regarding the demolition of houses at Gazivode Lake and called for the immediate suspension of these activities.

In a statement, the Embassy emphasized that the rule of law is essential to Kosovo's European path and called for lawful solutions to be found regarding the issue of the houses at Gazivode.

"Respect for due process and the rule of law, as established by the Constitution of Kosovo, is of fundamental importance for Kosovo's European path. We call for an immediate halt to these activities and for transparent and lawful solutions to be found," the German Embassy said in a statement posted on Facebook.

Earlier, the European Union Office in Kosovo called for the immediate suspension of all further demolitions, forced evictions, or property seizures until concerns relating to due process, proportionality, property rights, human rights, and effective legal remedies have been properly addressed.

"The authorities should, without delay, engage with the affected residents and municipalities and consider lawful solutions. The role of the Kosovo Police in such operations must remain strictly within its legal mandate, be based on clear requests or decisions by the competent authorities, and be properly documented," the EU statement reads.

The demolition of holiday cottages and residential houses at Gazivode Lake began yesterday morning. According to the Mayor of Zubin Potok, Milos Perovic, the Municipality of Zubin Potok had not issued any permit for the demolitions, which were carried out without a court order.

Serbian List Presidency member Igor Simic stated that yesterday's unlawful demolition of Serbian-owned structures at Gazivode demonstrates that Albin Kurti is continuing the expulsion of Serbs from Kosovo by following a familiar pattern, whereby Serbian houses and homes, built through years of hard work, are being demolished without either a court decision or authorization from the Municipality.

The OSCE Mission stated that any action affecting property rights, including the demolition of illegally constructed buildings, must be carried out strictly in accordance with the applicable legal framework and with full respect for prescribed procedures, adding that selective enforcement of the law may undermine public confidence.

Commenting on the case, the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) told Kosovo Online that it is closely monitoring developments related to the demolition of structures at Gazivode Lake and is in contact with all relevant parties, including the affected individuals, in order to gain a better understanding of the situation.

UNMIK also stated that it encourages all relevant parties to engage constructively, in accordance with the principles of proportionality and non-discrimination, while ensuring full respect for and consistent implementation of the applicable legal framework.