US, EU with differing attitudes about Kurti tax plan

Prime Minister Albin Kurti's plan for partially removing the tax on Serbian goods has not found the support of the United States of America.

Even the acting director of all secret services in the United States, at the same time the American President's envoy for Kosovo- Serbia has been tough enough on Kurti's decision.

Green said Albin Kurti made a serious mistake if he removed the tax in part and under conditions.

“We do not support Prime Minister Kurti's half-step move. Our position is quite clear: tariffs must fall completely. Kurt is making a serious mistake, and this became clear to President Thaci at the White House today”, wrote Grenelli on Thursday night on Twitter.

But on the other hand, the European Union, which is the mediator of the Pristina-Belgrade talks since their beginning, has welcomed Kurti's announcement of half-rate removal to products coming from Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The Office of the High Representative for Foreign Policy and Security of the European Union, Josep Borell, has issued a reaction today regarding the issue, saying that '%mez are expecting to see more details.

The European Union has welcomed the announcement that Kosovo will lift rates for importing raw materials from Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina. “Prime Minister Albin Kurti has announced on Thursday that Kosovo will lift tariffs for importing raw materials from Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina. We welcome this announcement as a first step and look forward to seeing more details”, says Borelli's Office response.

Even the Italian Embassy in Pristina has supported the idea of Prime Minister Albin Kurti partially removing the tax from Serbian and BiH products.

Italy's ambassador to Kosovo, Nicolaa Orlando, has said Italy encourages Pristina and Belgrade to start talks as soon as possible.

“We fully agree with the European Union's statement. Italy encourages Belgrade and Pristina to resume talks as soon as possible and remains committed to supporting this process”, he has written on Twitter.

However, Kosovo President Hashim Thaci today has called for the sooner to resolve the tax issue, saying stubbornness is jeopardising the deepening of Kosovo's isolation and reports with the US.

The president has stated that the need for urgent decisions to be made was a key request and message at a meeting with Secretary Pompeii and National Security Adviser O'Brien”. /Periscopi/