SL: Pristina to suspend the implementation of new regulations, find a model to avoid a devastating impact on the lives of Serbs

The Serb List said this evening in a statement that it is calling on the authorities in Pristina to suspend the implementation of the new regulations—the Law on Foreigners and the Law on Vehicles—and, in line with the needs of citizens, to find an appropriate model in order to avoid the devastating effect that their implementation would have on the lives of the Serbian people, their families, and institutions, in accordance with the 2022 dialogue agreement.

As of tomorrow, the implementation of the Law on Foreigners and the Law on Vehicles begins in Kosovo.

In its statement, the Serb List notes that its representatives, bearing in mind the situation surrounding the decision of Kosovo institutions to implement new regulations that endanger the freedom of movement of the Serbian people, as well as issues related to the use of vehicles with authorizations and the registration of residence of persons, have held dozens of meetings with international representatives—from Pristina as well as from the United States of America, the European Union, and other Western countries—since the announcement of the application of these rules.

At all meetings, the statement adds, they pointed to the danger of implementing these rules, which would practically paralyze the life of the Serbian people, especially in the north of Kosovo, as well as Serbian health and educational institutions.

They note that at all meetings they encountered understanding for their positions and for the problems that would arise for the Serbian people due to the implementation of these measures, but that despite all efforts they did not receive a response to their requests.

“Even over the past several days, and today as well, we have been in intensive contact with international representatives and have conveyed the concerns of our citizens, particularly regarding the consequences of the potential implementation of such harmful decisions. We now publicly call on the authorities in Pristina to suspend the implementation of these rules and, in line with the needs of citizens, to find an appropriate model in order to avoid the devastating effect that their implementation would have on the lives of our people, families, and institutions, in accordance with the 2022 dialogue agreement,” the Serb List appeals in its statement.

At the same time, they call on Serbs to exercise restraint and caution.

“We wish to assure you that by the end of the day, as well as in the coming days, we will continue to remain in contact with international representatives in order to arrive at a solution that would be in the best interests of our people and of the process of normalization of relations,” the statement of the Serb List concludes.