Kurti: Elections in the north in the fall; EU to lift sanctions against Kosovo

Elections in four municipalities in the north of Kosovo would be held in the fall, Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti said, RTK reported.

In an interview with the Radio and Television of Slovenia in Bled, apart from the organization of elections in four municipalities in the north, Kurti spoke about the formation of the CSM, the punitive measures imposed by the EU on Kosovo but also criticized Belgrade again.

According to him, the authorities in Belgrade are doing everything to prevent the Serbs in the north from integrating, which is why, he says, he needs the help of the international community, especially the European Union.

"There were some sanctions against our democratic country, because of the situation in the north, for which we have no responsibility; we are fighting against violent extremism there, because KFOR soldiers, citizens, and journalists were attacked. It is true that citizens and the business community suffer from these measures, but state authorities also, in terms of the Stabilization and Association Agreement, which is blocked. All grants have been suspended, and removing these measures is the right thing for the EU to do," Kurti said.

He pointed out the importance of a clear perspective of membership in the European Union, in relations between Kosovo and Serbia, which, according to him, would determine the European future of both countries.

In a statement for RTK, Kurti pointed out the importance of participating in the Bled Strategic Forum, with other leaders of the Western Balkans and EU representatives.

"It is very encouraging that there is a general alarm for speeding up the European integration process, so that countries that want to become a part of the EU have a more realistic opportunity, and democracy and economic progress in our country undoubtedly give hope to the citizens of Kosovo. But we also need the EU to help us more," Kurti said.