Kurti says implementing reciprocity measures will be gradual, shows what they are

Today, Kosovo's decision to replace the 100% fee to import Serbia's goods has come into force with gradual implementation of reciprocity, universal principle and international law, as well as the reduction of the 100% fee on Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Acting Prime Minister Albin Kurti has said implementing reciprocity measures would be gradual and in proportional response to Serbia's behaviour.

The vision of mutual respect must prevail, so there is no barrier between the two states. The government of the Republic of Kosovo has the will to develop and cultivate trade relations, with all states in the region, without unjust obstacles, on the basis of internationally accepted principles, in respect of international treaties and in respect of fundamental rights of citizens”, writes Kurti on Facebook.

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The Republic of Kosovo has still needed its citizens, entrepreneurs, professionals, workers to be treated equally, without prejudice, without obstacles - with the necessary dignity when they develop vital and professional activities. There is, therefore, no legitimate or legal reason to accept that citizens of the Republic of Kosovo and our authorities can be discriminated against and hindered when they eventually need to interact with Serbia's authority in the trade, civil or any other interstate sphere.

Citizens of the Republic of Kosovo each time have expressed the will to be treated and treated equally by citizens of states in the region. Reciprocity, as a principle and action, enhances the possibilities of mutual respect for the state and rights. There is no substantial development of our region if the efforts that position the Republic of Kosovo and its citizens are allowed. So our decision affirms equal interstate reports, universal rights respect, and creates the climate of justice among societies.

Also, the 1947 General Agreement for Tarifat and Trade (GATT), amended in 1994, which is also the founding instrument of the World Trade Organization, recognises the fundamental principles of reciprocity, non-degrading of the most favoured state. These principles apply to ensuring equal treatment of parties in commercial politics by eliminating barriers.

The 2007 Central European Free Trade Agreement (CEFTA), among other things, aims to eliminate trade barriers and facilitate the movement of goods into the transit, cross-border movement of goods and services in the countries' territories and between them.

Since CEFTA's entry into force, Serbia has applied a range of non-tarifor trade barriers to the Republic of Kosovo, including such ones in transit, technical and political barriers. So Serbia has damaged exporters and importers from the Republic of Kosovo, resulting in a high trade deficit for our country.

The measures Serbia has consistently applied in the form of non-tariff barriers:

(a) Measures for documents and practices affecting trade issues such as (1) requirements for certificates of origin and veterinarian and phytosanitary documentation for Kosovo exporters and importers' goods, which exploit Serbia only as a transit country; (2) delays in implementing requirements for the assessment of quality of Kosovo exports; (3) disrespecting the bilateral agreement on labeling products between Kosovo and Serbia, under the auspices of the EU; (4) non-recognition of vehicles registered in Kosovo, including computer vehicles, etc.

(b) Measures in preventing the free movement of persons and not knowing professional qualifications, namely non-recognition of documents: (1) passports; (2) IDs; (3) driver's license; (4) diplomat; (5) certificates; etc.

Implementation of reciprocity measures by the authorities of the Republic of Kosovo will be gradual and in proportional response to the conduct of Serbia's authorities.

The principle of mutual respect must prevail so that there are no barriers between the two states. The government of the Republic of Kosovo has the will to develop and cultivate trade relations, with all states in the region, without unjust obstacles, on the basis of internationally accepted principles, in respect of international treaties and in respect of the fundamental rights of citizens.