UNMIK on the demolition of weekend cottages at Lake Gazivode: We are in contact with all relevant parties

"We are closely monitoring developments related to the demolition of structures at Lake Gazivode and are in contact with all relevant parties, including the affected individuals, in order to gain a better understanding of the situation," UNMIK said in a response to Kosovo Online.

UNMIK further stated that the Mission will continue to closely monitor developments.

"We note that this situation may have an impact on the affected individuals and encourage all relevant parties to engage constructively, in accordance with the principles of proportionality and non-discrimination, while ensuring full respect for and consistent implementation of the applicable legal framework," the UNMIK response said.

Heavy construction machinery arrived at the shore of Lake Gazivode at approximately 7:30 a.m. this morning, where the demolition of 11 weekend cottages began.

The deadline of 15 days, which the owners of the properties had been given by the company Ibar-Lepenac to vacate the premises, expired on Saturday. The company claims that the land on which the cottages are located is its property.

The Office for Kosovo and Metohija also issued a statement on the matter, describing the forced demolition of the weekend cottages at Lake Gazivode—owned by Serbs for decades—as another act of lawlessness and terror by Albin Kurti. According to the Office, the demolitions were carried out without any court order, in violation of the law, and in a disgraceful manner, with the aim of retaliating against the Serbian population.