MPJ response: Serbia announced months ago for Karatists' arrival

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, through a communique for the media, suggests that Kosovo reported months ago Serbian authorities, even though it told them that Kosovo karateers should get permission at least 48 hours before entering Serbia.

Full communication from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs:

“The Act of blocking the Karatists of the National Republic of Kosovo at the Serbian-Kosovo border in Merdare, who were headed to participate in the European karate Championship in Novi Sad, is a coward and desperate act of Serbia.

Such Serbian authorities' action is a serious violation of any International Convention, desecration of any European principle and value, and diametrically contrary testimony with the declarative goal of normalising relations between two states

The Kosovo Liaison Office in Serbia had announced several months earlier to Serbian authorities about this trip of the National of Kosovo and the reasons they have not been announced over time is not sustainable.

Kosovo citizenship exists and is internationally accepted and Serbia must be aware that the World Sport Federation has strong rules for states that prevent the participation of athletes in various activities because sports serves peace and reconciliation among peoples.

A few years ago, in the case of Judo World Champion Majlinda Kelmendi, of these very rules, Russia accepted its passport, flag, Kosovo anthem. We, we will ask sports bodies to exclude Serbia.”