Privatization Agency: Banjska complex leased to the Ministry of Internal Affairs

The Privatization Agency of Kosovo has taken over the management of the "Rajska Banja" complex in Banjska, in the Municipality of Zvecan, as the "property of the social enterprise of Kosovo" and has leased it to the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the Managing Director of this agency, Arben Limani confirmed, Radio Free Europe reports.

"The PAK Board, at the request of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, for the needs and public interest of that Ministry, decided to lease these facilities for the needs of the Ministry of Internal Affairs", Limani said, adding that the decision had been made at a meeting held on December 14.

Limani stated that the Privatization Agency had tried to contact individuals or entities using this property within a certain time period, but they had not received a response, therefore, they had sought the assistance of the Kosovo Police to take over the facility.

"The property of the complex in Banjska belongs to the social enterprise 'Trepca Standard', headquartered in North Mitrovica, and the property is in the name of this unit and the building that existed there. Apparently, someone renovated the building at some point, which we don't know because we had very limited access there. And now, when we gained access, we tried to contact individuals or entities that used it to understand on what legal basis they were using it", Limani said.

According to his statements, the police provided the Agency with information that illegal activities were taking place in this complex.

Earlier today, members of the Kosovo Police entered the hotel and spa complex "Rajska Banja" in Banjska and expelled the workers.

Deputy Commander for the Northern Region Veton Elshani told Kosovo Online that the police had assisted the Privatization Agency around noon today.

"They are doing their job, and we are assisting. Regarding what is happening, most likely the Privatization Agency will take over that facility, and we don't have more details. If the Agency gives the facility to someone else or just seals it, we don't have information about that. We will be here until it is finished", Elshani stated.