Kosovo Government rejected all objections from EU, US Embassy, and OSCE regarding land expropriation

The Kosovo Government officially rejected all objections from the EU, the US Embassy, and the OSCE regarding the expropriation of land in the municipalities of Zubin Potok and Leposavic, Kosovo Online learns.

These objections were sent to Pristina four weeks ago, but in a letter from the Kosovo Government, as seen by Kosovo Online, it is stated that "everything was done in accordance with the law," and all objections from the European Union, the US Embassy in Pristina, and the OSCE are rejected.

"The Government of Kosovo acted with maximum political caution and sensitivity to the situation," the letter from the Kosovo Government to the EU, the US Embassy in Pristina, and the OSCE states, referring to the decision of the Basic Court of Pristina.

We remind you that the decision of the Kosovo Government to expropriate land in the municipalities of Leposavic and Zubin Potok prompted reactions from the Kosovo Serbs, as well as the European Union, whose Office in Pristina appealed to the authorities to adhere to legal procedures and ensure the respect of property rights.

Viola von Cramon, the European Parliament's Rapporteur for Kosovo, and Vladimir Bilcik, the European Parliament's Rapporteur for Serbia, also commented on the matter, urging the Kosovo Government to change its decision regarding land expropriation.

The Kosovo Government made the initial decision on expropriation in January, followed by the adoption of the Draft Preliminary Decision on Expropriation of Land in the municipalities of Leposavic and Zubin Potok on May 10, necessary for, as stated in Pristina, "the implementation of a project of public interest."

EU High Representative Josep Borrell issued a statement on September 19 on behalf of the EU, stating the following:

"In this context, Kosovo's actions – including land expropriation in northern Kosovo, eviction orders, decisions related to telecommunications, and the use of special police forces for policing duties in the community – are not in line with the rule of law and carry the risk of new tensions," it was written in the statement.