Kurti: We will open other crossings for Serbian goods once the scanners arrive

Kosovo’s Prime Minister Albin Kurti stated, while commenting on the lifting of the ban on goods from Serbia, that for now, the Merdare crossing is open and that the other crossings will be opened once the scanners for goods inspection arrive.

He points out that at the Merdare crossing, customs officers are currently conducting manual inspections of goods, which takes a long time.

"We opened the Merdare border even though we have not yet received the scanner, despite being promised it. Manual inspections are now being carried out there, but we will open the other borders we share with Serbia, which span several hundred kilometers, when we receive the scanners," Kurti said.

He emphasizes that the Government of Kosovo, in cooperation with Kosovo Customs, had tried to purchase scanners, but they received a promise of a donation from Europe and the United States.
As he added, he still does not know when Kosovo will receive the scanners.

"I don’t know when that will be, but in the meantime, we have to carry out these manual inspections, which are not ideal for our customs officers but are necessary," the Kosovo Prime Minister explained.

Commenting on the construction of houses throughout the north, which is being financed by the Kosovo Government, and in response to a journalist's question about whether houses are also being built for Serbs, Kurti emphasized that the houses are intended for all people in need.

"We will not exclude anyone because we believe that the rule of law and the well-being of citizens must be equal. There must be equality without privileges and discrimination," Kurti stated.

He adds that he had heard criticisms regarding "individual cases," but says that he "cannot deal with that nor knows much about it."

"Minister for Local Government Administration Elbert Krasniqi and the mayor know much more about this than I do," Kurti pointed out.

When asked what would happen with Serbian healthcare and education, Kurti reiterated that he had come to Leposavic to assess the situation concerning the clinic that the municipality lacks.

"I am here to do something new and good for everyone. I have never said, nor do I want, nor do I have any interest in preventing people from going to school. I was most concerned when I heard that Belgrade might order Serbs in the northern part of Kosovo not to attend school from this September. I’m happy that people go to school and hope they learn as much as possible," the Kosovo Prime Minister stated.