Lucic: Discussing a solution for the third license in Kosovo with the U.S. Administration

General Director of Telekom Srbija, Vladimir Lucic, announced that he will seek a solution through talks with the new U.S. administration regarding the Kosovo authorities’ intention to block the expansion of MTS across the entire territory of Kosovo.

Speaking to RTS after a visit to North Mitrovica, Lucic said that Serbs in Kosovo are living under very difficult conditions, subjected to continuous terror, not knowing what the next day will bring.

He emphasized that the main goal of Kurti’s regime is the expulsion of Serbs, and that MTS is one of the main targets because telecommunications are a vital part of daily life.

He noted that the authorities in Pristina may attempt a new strike against MTS in Kosovo, recalling that Kurti’s administration had already tried to shut down the company two years ago.

The issue, he added, was resolved primarily with the help of the U.S. Embassy.

Lucic stated that MTS is under constant pressure in Kosovo, and that one of the most egregious violations of the Brussels Agreement is Pristina’s refusal to issue a public call for the third mobile telephony license.

In this context, he announced that he will hold talks with the new U.S. administration next week.

He said that one reason for his visit to the U.S. is the expansion of Telekom Srbija into the American market, as the first operator from Europe supported by the U.S. Export-Import Bank, which underscores the company’s importance. The other reason is to attempt to resolve the issue of Pristina’s refusal to open a tender for the third license.

“I’m going to the U.S. to try to finally solve the issue of the third license. I’m confident the American administration will understand, because it takes an economic approach. It’s strange not to issue a tender for a third license in a given territory. That is clearly a political decision aimed at preventing a Serbian company from operating across all of Kosovo. The U.S. administration understands this well. I believe that with the new U.S. administration, Kurti’s government is no longer as secure or strong as it once was,” he explained.