Kusari Lila: 100% tax has made dialogue meaningless

Kosovo Assembly MP Mimoza Kusari-Lila, in an interview for Radio Free Europe, has talked about the 100 per cent customs duty, which Kosovo has imposed on products of Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina. According to her, this Government decision is necessary and the only mechanism to condition Serbia.

Former Trade and Industry Minister, says Federica Moghrin's reactions to the 100 per cent tax are unilateral. She says Kosovo producers will benefit if this move does not cease.

Kusari-Lila says that after the establishment of this measure, dialogue between Kosovo and Serbia makes no sense. She says the arrests in northern Mitrovica are related to the tax the Kosovo government has imposed on Serbia and were made at the order of President Thaci.

Radio Free Europe: Kosovo's government has been applying customs duties for Serbia for 100 per cent for several days. What is your opinion on this tax?

Mimoza Kusari-Lila: From the start when the government has warned and then started with the implementation of the 10 per cent measure, I think it has been an appropriate step. In fact, it is the only mechanism Kosovo can apply in relation to Serbia. The first time the Government of Kosovo has had a very mild decision, a symbolic decision. It makes sense now, because it has a direct impact on non-purchasing or on the difficulties of Serbian producers on the plastic of their products in Kosovo.

If we enter into a review of all that we have achieved with Serbia so far, we have respect in the past few years than there is progress. Therefore, a move which returns to the point where Serbia must see that it too needs Kosovo has been more than necessary.

Little will be difficult for Serbia to recognise Kosovo, as Prime Minister (Ramush) Haradinaj calls for under these current created circumstances, but it is necessary to establish a limit on what is allowed to enter negotiations, then on reducing or changing this measure.