Sarrazin: Pristina is blocking cooperation, CEFTA can progress even without Kosovo

The German government's envoy for the Western Balkans, Manuel Sarrazin, who is visiting Pristina for the second time in eight days, stated that the Kosovo government is blocking trade cooperation due to the lack of an agreement on CEFTA, Koha reported. In this context, Sarrazin mentioned that the possibility of progressing with free market agreements without Kosovo will be considered, as refusal only leads to a blockade.

Sarrazin, recalling that Kosovo is blocking the entry of Serbian goods, mentioned during both of his visits to Pristina that he received a negative response from Prime Minister Albin Kurti to the request for a compromise.

"I must explain to the Kosovo government that we will proceed with agreements on these issues, related to the free common market, even without Kosovo. That is my message today," Sarrazin told KTV.

He added that such a refusal only leads to a blockade.

Regarding the Ohrid Agreement, Sarrazin stated that Germany's position has not changed and that Serbia needs to recognize Kosovo for the sake of its European path.