Kurti: We have lifted the security measure for Serbian goods at Merdare; we are waiting for scanners for other border crossings

Kosovo's Prime Minister, Albin Kurti, confirmed the lifting of the import ban on Serbian goods, but only for the Merdare crossing.

“The Ministry of Internal Affairs sent a letter to the customs of the Republic of Kosovo stating that the security measure that had been in place until now is being modified. Goods will be inspected, but only at Merdare. To have controls at all border crossings, we need to receive the scanners, which, first, we are purchasing ourselves, and second, we expect assistance from the United States and the European Community. Until the scanners arrive, we will allow goods to enter only at Merdare, but under inspection, as the security measures are still in force. The security situation has not changed that much," Kurti said.

At the start of the press conference, Kurti also stated that Belgrade’s goal is to engage in dialogue with Kosovo without mentioning the agreement reached in Brussels in February last year.
During the press conference, Kurti reiterated that he would continue to insist that the agreed-upon deal be signed.

He added that this agreement should not be forgotten, even though Belgrade is trying to deny it.

"We have an agreement, let's not forget it. What needs to be done is to respect it. Belgrade's interest is to negotiate without mentioning the agreement. What I insist on is that it be signed. Belgrade cannot deny that we have reached an agreement," Kurti said.

He emphasized that Kosovo had seized large quantities of weapons and ammunition four times over the past two years.

"In the last two years, Serbia has brought its army close to our border four times. When you add to that Milan Radoicic and several dozen criminals who carried out a terrorist attack in September last year, killing our sergeant Afrim Bunjaku, it means that security measures must remain in place," he said.

Kurti highlighted that until the scanners arrive, manual inspections will be conducted at Merdare.

“We don’t have scanners anywhere, and we need them, but until they arrive, we are opening one crossing where goods can come through.”

When asked what type of goods can enter, he clarified, "Weapons and ammunition cannot."

"Goods will arrive, and it will be inspected by customs officers and the police," he concluded.

At the beginning of his address, Kurti also announced a 20% increase in pensions in Kosovo.