Guerot: The Quint countries demand Kosovo to suspend the decision to abolish the dinar and form the CSM

The French Ambassador to Pristina, Olivier Guerot, stated tonight that the Quint countries had requested Kosovo to suspend the decision of the Central Bank of Kosovo, which prohibited the use of the dinar and defined the euro as the only currency for cash payments.

"The request we have made, we and the Quint countries, is to make a transition before this regulation is implemented. There should be more consultations and information before it is implemented. We call for the suspension of this regulation in order to properly inform the population and for the possibility of finding possible technical solutions," Guerot said in an appearance on RTV Dukagjini.

The French Ambassador noted that it was important for both sides to sit down and discuss the technical issues of implementing the CBK regulation, emphasizing that this was the only way to resolve the newly arisen situation.

"I think it is important for everyone, despite the technical details, to talk about pensions, salaries, and the proper functioning of schools and hospitals used by the Serbian community in this country. The CBK regulation aims to have greater transparency, and we support that, however, it can potentially have a direct impact on how this community will operate, and how these people will receive their pensions. We would like to have more consultations before its implementation and broader information for the people; we are talking about specific issues that affect a large part of the population," Guerot said.

He stated that the Government of Kosovo had to find an appropriate way to not prohibit fund transfers in the first place.

"The Government of Kosovo, as democratic governments have the power to enact clauses when things are prohibited, must seek and find ways to not prohibit other things they propose, such as money transfers. They need to talk to people they directly influence; the right channel is to engage in dialogue," the French Ambassador emphasized.

Guerot reiterated the Quint countries' request, saying that France also expected Kosovo to fulfill its obligations and continue with the formation of the Community of Serb-majority Municipalities.

He assessed that he saw no better solution for normalizing relations between Belgrade and Pristina than the Franco-German plan.

"I don't see any other solution here except the Franco-German plan. This is the solution proposed in September 2022, discussed, and finally released in February 2023, and as Jorn Rohde (German Ambassador to Pristina) said, it has given many benefits to Kosovo, including better relations, territorial integrity, membership in international organizations, and other things Kosovo has been fighting for years," Guerot said.

He also stated that the draft proposal for the Community of Serb-majority Municipalities was good.

"Not only do I think that it is a good draft, but I also believe that the Government agrees, as the Prime Minister has expressed willingness to accept it if it is a part of the package; he has not proposed any changes. I don't think the draft is bad. This document does not grant any authority beyond the municipalities. It is written as it is and pertains to fulfilling the powers they possess; it is entirely legal. We are awaiting the Community from Kosovo, which is the next article that deals with the Serbian Orthodox Church. We must continue further for Kosovo's interests," Guerot said.