Gerjaliu responds to Vuciki's statements that if it were he would not allow the 100 % tax

“Turp, who has dismissed Safet Gerjaliu from the Kosovo Economic Oda, he knew what trade is and what is economy”, Vuciq said today at a news conference.

Gerxhaliu has declined to comment on such political statements following the Government's tax decision, but for Periscope has declared how far Kosovo's Economics Council led, regional co-operation, including Serbia, was the priority.

I heard about such a statement, but I am inclined not to comment on such political statements. In this direction, I must highlight the truth, that dialogue, partnership and regional co-operation have been a priority in my mandate as head of the Kosovo Economic Ode, and in this direction I have tried to have equal co-operation for all, and now I have no convenience to decide or remove taxes, but most of all I have been aiming at the economic development of my country. And in that direction, even then, even today it is a civic duty to support such governmental decisions and the well-being of my country is a priority of priorities, so we have to be with our institutions and our country, because we don't have an alternative country or country, but in this direction we don't have to succumb to provocations and statements maybe biased circles or certain groups from wherever they come, Gerjaliu told Periscope.

On the other hand, Gerjaliu said he supports the Government's recent decision to impose the tax on Serbian and Bosnian products, as he believes it can stimulate co-operation and resolve economic barriers between the two countries.

“Like Economic Ode we've managed to be equal partners in all international instances. So it has also been mandatory to co-operate among the Western Balkans' economic efforts, and in particular with Serbia's Economic Ode, and in this respect we have had meetings and activities that I believe is based on Vuciqi's statement. I've long wanted solutions to dialogue, and solutions to the most concrete problems, but I also believe it has been the last time for the company of such measures. For the sake of the interest of the state and citizens, such decisions must be supported. In this regard I believe there has been a moment that there has been no alternative, but in fact I believe this move will motivate dialogue and solve the economic barriers between the two countries, not only with Serbia and Bosnia, but also with other Balkan countries”, Gerjaliu added.

He has also talked about the possibility of tax impacting other products' prices and other counter-effects on the Kosovo economy.

I don't want to believe that such a decision is more politically inclined. I believe institutions have done preliminary tests, as these are big and difficult decisions. If there is no initial analysis, there will be effects. But I believe it's the”, he declared.

In the end, he has also spoken of criticisms that had been directed to him about the participation of numerous Serbian businesses, at fairs organised in Kosovo.

We've had work promoting regional co-operation. I believe it has been a spirit that has contributed to Kosovo's promotion and the region's partnership, as well as improved image of the country. We definitely thought that co-operation would eliminate barriers that should belong to the past”, he concluded.

The current chairman of the Kosovo Economic Ode is Berat Rukiqi, who has also supported the government of the Republic of Kosovo's tax on Serbian products. / P ERISCOPIA