Kurti for Slovenian media: It is true we are suffering from EU sanctions

In many questions asked by Prime Minister Kurti, there were EU punitive measures to Kosovo.

Slovenian journalist asked Kurti as far as critics accuse the prime minister that Kosovo would lose up to 500m euros from European IPA funds due to tough policy in northern Kosovo.

Kurti in response denied he is responsible for the latest situation in the country's north.

“As it is, due to the situation in northern Kosovo, certain sanctions or measures of the European Union are in force. Even though we're not responsible for this situation. Instead, we are fighting there against violent extremists who attacked KFOR soldiers, Kosovo police officers and journalists. True, we are suffering because of these sanctions. Mostly our business community, but also state services. For example, the Stabilisation and Association Agreement has been frozen, although we have fulfilled it at 69 percent. Loans and grants, as well as funding from the European Union funds, are also at risk. All this was interrupted. Therefore, removing these measures towards Kosovo would be truly welcome and the European Union's fair decision”, Kurti has said.

Kosovo Prime Minister reiterated to Slovenia's public television that the rule of law should function in the north.

It's very important that we have both: rule of law, without violent extremists and security and peace on the other side. I think the participation of Kosovo Serbs is suffering. Kosovo Serbs living south of the Ibri are generally well integrated and benefit from it [integration], while Serbs in northern Kosovo do not live well because they are not integrated. So, those Serbs who are integrated live better. Belgrade, of course, is doing everything to prevent the integration of Serbs to the north. This violence from Belgrade must end and we need the help of the international community, especially the European Union”.

He also spoke of elections in the four northern municipalities, which was one of the four agreed points between Kosovo and the EU for extending the situation to the country's north.

I'm working hard and preparing everything for the elections to be held in autumn”

Kurti said he hopes the Serb List will participate and that international aid is needed for their conviction. These [Albanian] mayors are here because the Republika Srpska List boycotted the elections. Initially, they left the institutions, but later refused to participate in the mayoral elections. I hope they changed their minds. We're working.