The ban on Kosovo boxers' borders, the Evopian Union reacts: EU fully supports International Box Association

The European Union supports the International Box Association requirement that the Kosovo Box Federation be allowed equal participation in the race, said EU spokesman Peter Stano.

Stano made comments to Radio Free Europe, following Serbia's authorities' decision to ban entry into Serbia to boxers from Kosovo.

Kosovo boxers would participate in the Boski World Championship, which has started in the Serbian capital.

Serbia prevented Kosovo boxers from going at the weekend, due to state symbols.

On 23 October, the World Boxing Association said Kosovo is a member of its power and that it expects its participation in the Men's World Boxing Championship.

The championship started in Belgrade on 24 October and will last until 6 November.

“The EU fully supports the International Box Association in expectations that the delegation of the Kosovo Box Federation will be treated the same as any other member's delegation”, Stano said.

“Sic we have said several times in the past, long-term normalisation of reports and sustainable reconciliation among societies begins with intellectual, cultural, sports and artistic exchanges. Such exchanges are essential to building understanding. Authorities at all levels should not save efforts to ensure that such exchange is done on a regular basis, unhindered and without any concern”, Stano added.

On Monday, Kosovo Culture, Youth and Sports Minister Hajrullah Ceku criticised the EU's lack of reaction to Serbia's decision.

“We have also called for reaction from the EU, which in other cases has been very cautious during reactions, but, surprisingly, so far there has been no response to clean violations of the fundamental rights of athletes”, Ceku said.

He warned that, during this week, Kosovo will decide to ban the development of Serbian <x0).

According to him, many parallel structures of Serbian federations operate in Kosovo, contrary to Kosovo laws.