Pristina’s Unilateral Action Regulating Currency Exacerbates Mistrust, Kosovo Mission Head Tells Security Council, Underlining Importance of Open Dialogue
Following the Kosovo Central Bank’s December 2023 adoption of a regulation establishing the euro as the only currency allowed for cash transactions in the territory as of 1 February 2024, the senior United Nations official in Kosovo told the Security Council today that unilateral actions on issues that clearly fall within the political-dialogue process are cause for great concern.
“Regardless of which side takes them and what justifications are provided, and in the absence of unambiguous public communication, such actions predictably exacerbate an environment of insecurity and mistrust,” observed Caroline Zaideh, Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK). Limited public explanation was offered — even though the Serbian dinar has served as the primary currency for cash and commercial transactions in Kosovo-Serb majority areas since 1999 — and the regulation will interrupt payment to individuals employed by Serbian-funded institutions, certain agricultural and social-welfare subsidies and pension recipients, among others.
She went on to report that, in response to the “obvious concerns” this has raised, Kosovo authorities announced, on 6 February, a transitional period of one month for implementation. However, a cash-transfer truck was prevented entry into Kosovo on 7 February, and 4 million Serbian dinars confiscated by the Kosovo Police on 3 February still await judicial and administrative action. Underscoring that those taking actions must consider their impact on affected populations, she stressed: “History has repeatedly shown that just solutions do not emerge from unilateral actions, but rather from a sustained and painstaking commitment to open communications and dialogue.”
Aleksandar Vučić, President of Serbia, emphasized that the recent move by the “so-called Kosovo Central Bank” equates to the Priština regime directly disabling all medical, educational, social, cultural and other institutions that enable Serbs to live with a minimum of human dignity. It is obvious, he stressed, that the regime’s creation of unbearable living conditions is an act of structural violence, intensifying a years-long, well-planned and systematic attack against the Serbian population. He called on the Council and the international community to take urgent action to normalize the situation and prevent further persecution of Kosovo Serbs.
“The idea that Kosova is conducting an ethnic-cleansing campaign or persecution against the Serb community is a lie,” said Albin Kurti of Kosovo, underscoring that the regulation “does nothing to prohibit or prevent the Government of Serbia from providing financial support to Kosava Serbs”. Further, Prishtinë does not seek to harm any single group of citizens; rather, it seeks to protect all of them from the threats posed by organized crime, arms-trafficking and money-laundering — all of which rely on criminal groups’ ability to receive illegally smuggled cash, largely across Kosova’s border with Serbia.
As Council members took the floor, many expressed concern over the Central Bank’s proposed regulations on cash transactions and urged greater regard for affected minority populations. Noting that inter-ethnic tensions threaten regional peace and security, many also called on both Belgrade and Pristina to refrain from unilateral or escalatory actions, return to European Union-facilitated dialogue and work to normalize relations.
Malta’s representative stressed that unilateral actions implemented without due notification and consultation — especially those that directly affect ethnic minorities — only serve to destabilize and increase the risk of violence in the region. Stressing the need for both Belgrade and Pristina to fulfil their respective obligations under all agreements reached through European Union-facilitated dialogue, he added: “This is the only path that leads towards EU membership.”
Echoing that was the representative of Slovenia, who expressed the belief that both parties have a place in the European Union. While joining others in noting that the Central Bank’s regulation aims to enhance financial transparency and combat money-laundering, she expressed concern over the potential impact on Belgrade’s financial support to Kosovo Serbs, advising Pristina to inform and consult such individuals about the decisions that affect their lives in advance of making them.
The Russian Federation’s representative went further, stating that a direct threat to physical survival hangs over the Serbian population of the Kosovo autonomous region, as Pristina works to create intolerable living conditions to force them to leave their homes. He therefore called on Council members to take urgent action to protect Kosovo Serbs and demand that Pristina stop persecuting them, including through the abolition of all discriminatory measures.
Pointing out that the Central Bank’s regulation will negatively impact the daily lives of Kosovo Serbs, the representative of the Republic of Korea welcomed Pristina’s decision to suspend implementation of the measure. He further called on both sides to refrain from provocative statements and unilateral actions and to actively participate in European Union-led negotiations towards the normalization of relations.
Sierra Leone’s representative, for his part, said that his country has demonstrated — as a post-conflict State — that peace can be achieved through dialogue, compromise and mutual understanding. Calling on the political leadership of both Kosovo and Serbia to constructively engage in dialogue, he quoted Albert Einstein: “Peace cannot by kept by force — it can only be achieved by understanding.”
SECURITY COUNCIL RESOLUTIONS 1160 (1998), 1199 (1998), 1203 (1998), 1239 (1999) AND 1244 (1999)
Briefing
CAROLINE ZIADEH, Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK), recalled that two agreements were reached — in Brussels on 27 February 2023 and in Ohrid, North Macedonia, on 18 March 2023 — establishing a pathway for negotiations and mutual engagement. However, disagreement over implementation stalled progress. Subsequently, by-elections in northern Kosovo resulted in mayors being elected by barely 3.47 per cent of eligible voters, and ensuing clashes on 29 May 2023 resulted in significant injuries to civilians and Kosovo Force (KFOR) personnel. These events — along with the serious security incident in Banjska/Banjskë on 24 September 2023 that led to fatalities — “were serious setbacks”, she reported. There was some positive momentum that emerged at the end of 2023, however, such as progress achieved over license plates, an energy road map, customs documentation and the participation of Kosovo Serbs in the initiation of a referendum to recall the aforementioned mayors.
Despite that, she stressed that unilateral actions on issues that clearly fall within the political-dialogue process and its governing agreements are cause for great concern. “Regardless of which side takes them and what justifications are provided, and in the absence of unambiguous public communications, such actions predictably exacerbate an environment of insecurity and mistrust,” she observed. She then recalled that the Central Bank of Kosovo adopted a regulation on 27 December 2023, announcing that the euro will be the only currency allowed for cash transactions in Kosovo as of 1 February 2024. Limited public explanation was offered, even though the Serbian dinar has served as the primary currency for cash and commercial transactions in Kosovo-Serb majority areas since 1999. Tens of thousands of individuals are affected — as is the economy, which depends on their purchasing power. Further, such regulation interrupts payment to individuals employed by Serbian-funded institutions, certain agricultural and social-welfare subsidies and pension recipients, among others.
She went on to report that, in response to the “obvious concerns” this has raised, Kosovo authorities announced, on 6 February, a transitional period of one month for implementation. However, a cash-transfer truck was prevented entry into Kosovo on 7 February, while some 4 million Serbian dinars confiscated by the Kosovo Police on 3 February still await judicial and administrative action. Against that backdrop, she underscored that those taking actions — regardless of their legality and justification — must consider their impact on affected populations. “Otherwise, such actions not only increase tensions, but also weaken the potential for lasting peace and security across all communities in Kosovo,” she emphasized, adding that “more should be done to win the hearts and minds of non-majority communities”. On that, she detailed Kosovo Police operations targeting facilities used by the Serbian non-majority community in four municipalities and Pristina on 26 January and 2 February, as well as a police operation in Pejë/Peć that reportedly targeted a team of journalists from the only Kosovo-Serb media outlet in the region on 2 January.
“As you know, UNMIK and our main partners place the highest importance on ensuring the freedoms of media and expression at all times,” she stressed, stating that neither the Central Bank’s new regulation nor these recent police operations have contributed to the de-escalation for which international interlocutors have repeatedly called. Efforts towards negotiated, mutually accepted solutions must not falter, and continuous effort to build greater mutual trust and respect are the only viable path to stability, prosperity and security. She added: “History has repeatedly shown that just solutions do not emerge from unilateral actions, but rather from a sustained and painstaking commitment to open communication and dialogue.”
Statements
ALEKSANDAR VUČIĆ, President of Serbia, warned that the provisional institutions of self-Government in Priština have created unbearable living conditions for Serbs and are now carrying out widespread systematic attacks against Serb civilians. In the absence of appropriate reaction, the situation could cause irreparable harm to the survival of the Serbian people in Kosovo and Metohija. He emphasized that the recent move by the “so-called Kosovo Central Bank” — by which payment transactions with the Serbian dinar are banned in the territory of Kosovo and Metohija as of 1 February — means the Priština regime directly disables all medical, educational, social, cultural and other institutions that enable Serbs to live with a minimum of human dignity. It is obvious, he stressed, that the creation of unbearable living conditions is the regime’s act of structural violence, intensifying a years-long, well-planned and systematic attack against the Serbian population.
Citing 470 unpunished ethnically motivated attacks against Serbs, the Serbian Orthodox Church and their property since 2021, he added that the introduction of the euro as the only legal tender in the territory of Kosovo and Metohija was obviously illegal because it was done by the unilateral decision of the political leadership in Priština. The dinar is the legal tender of Serbia, and, therefore, cannot be banned in Kosovo and Metohija. He recalled that the difficult situation deteriorated after the April 2023 elections in four municipalities in the north of Kosovo and Metohija; more than 97 per cent of the inhabitants are Serbs, so only slightly more than 3 per cent of the total number of registered voters turned out for these so-called elections. The situation led to peaceful protests by Serbs, to which Kosovo Albanian armed groups responded by injuring more than 50 unarmed Serbs on 29 May alone, followed by a tragic and reprehensible wounding of KFOR personnel.
He emphasized that armed formations composed almost exclusively of Kosovo Albanians on the territory of Kosovo and Metohija are illegal and contrary to Council resolution 1244 (1999). Due to physical and structural violence towards the Serbian population, more than 14 per cent of Serbs have left Kosovo and Metohija. Rejecting inappropriate calls for restraint and responsibility by both parties, he stressed that the solution to the crisis can only be a clear order to immediately stop all the above-mentioned measures. He recalled that in 2022, Serbia sent a request to the commander of KFOR for the return of the agreed number of Serbian security personnel to assist international forces in protecting the Serbian population. He then called on the Council and the international community to take urgent and decisive measures with the aim of normalizing the situation in Kosovo and Metohija, preventing further persecution of Serbs and creating conditions for the resumption of a meaningful dialogue between Belgrade and Priština.
ALBIN KURTI of Kosovo spotlighted the “deep and uncomfortable irony” and “dystopian feeling” inherent in responding to false allegations of human-rights abuses “made by a country known to have committed the last genocide of the twentieth century”. The brutality of what was committed changed international human-rights law forever and, out of this misery, Kosova emerged as a symbol of the fight for dignity and the triumph of human rights, building itself into a forward-facing, multicultural and multi-ethnic republic. Stating that Kosova is “an inspiring lesson on how economic development and democratic progress can go hand-in-hand”, he said that this growth and well-being is shared with minorities pursuant to a constitution that offers some of the highest protections for minority rights. Detailing this, he underscored: “The idea that Kosova is conducting an ethnic-cleansing campaign or persecution against the Serb community is a lie.”
He went on to say, however, that Serbia’s treatment of ethnic Albanians today constitutes such a campaign “carried out administratively”. Belgrade has removed thousands from the civil registry, and victims have lost access to passports, medical services, social assistance, vehicle registration, property transactions, pensions and voting rights. Further, Serbia has aligned itself with the Russian Federation and is the only European country — other than Belarus — not to impose sanctions following Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine. “It acts as the Kremlin’s Trojan Horse in South-East Europe in a geopolitical war against the democratic world,” he said. Turning to the Central Bank’s regulation, he underscored: “Let me be absolutely clear — the regulation does nothing to prohibit or prevent the Government of Serbia from providing financial support to Kosova Serbs.” Rather, it merely seeks to ensure the transparency and legality of cash imported into Kosova in line with both the constitution and European Union monetary policy.
Emphasizing that the same rules apply to all cash imports — from any country, in any currency — he said that the Central Bank is committed to doing all it can to ensure that Kosovo Serbs can continue receiving unimpeded financial support from Serbia. Further, Prishtinë is committed to ensuring a smooth transition, with sufficient investments in education and information, instead of imposing penalties for non-compliance. Prishtinë does not seek to harm any single group of citizens; rather, it seeks to protect all of them from the threats posed by organized crime, arms-trafficking and money-laundering — all of which rely on criminal groups’ ability to receive illegally smuggled cash, largely across Kosova’s border with Serbia. He added that Belgrade sounded the alarm not because of the transition from the Serbian dinar to euro, “but because we are banning large sacks of money at the border”.
The representative of the Russian Federation said the severity of the current situation has already reached such a scale that a direct threat to physical survival hangs over the Serbian population of the Kosovo autonomous region, with Pristina authorities working to create intolerable living conditions to force them to leave their ancestral homes forever. Policies are being pursued in Kosovo and Metohija that evoke blood-curdling associations with ethnic cleansing and which Western self-proclaimed defenders of universal human rights are doing their best to ignore. The functioning of humanitarian institutions, including kindergartens, hospitals, schools, trading companies and industrial enterprises, are at risk. He stressed that the Council must rein in Kosovo leaders who are seeking, without any grounds, to turn dialogue with Belgrade into a tool for resolving the status issue, contrary to the provisions of Council resolution 1244 (1999).
A campaign has been launched to Albanize Serbian cultural heritage, he stressed: the history of Kosovo and Metohija is being rewritten, churches are being seized, ancient Orthodox churches are being declared Catholic. “It’s hard to believe that this is happening in this day and age in the very heart of Europe.” Even more striking is that Washington, D.C., and Brussels look at all this absolutely calmly, pretending that nothing terrible is happening. At the same time, the West is working towards accepting the province into the Council of Europe — an unprecedented case when a candidate for membership is not a State. Kosovo Albanians, inspired by Washington, D.C., are openly saying that Kosovo in its current form is just a “temporary project towards unification with Albania”. He called on Council members to take urgent measures to protect Kosovo Serbs and demand that Pristina stop persecuting them, including the abolition of all discriminatory measures.
The representative of Malta, expressing concern over Kosovo’s decision to ban cash transactions in Serbian dinar in its territory, said that the closure of several offices of Serbian-run institutions likewise raises serious concerns. Unilateral actions implemented without due notification and consultation — especially those that directly affect ethnic minorities — only serve to destabilize and increase the risk of violence in the region. Welcoming, however, Pristina’s commitment to a transition period and a communication campaign regarding the impact of the regulation, he stressed that such period must be sufficiently long enough to allow all those impacted to access alternate payment methods. He also underscored that the normalization of relations between Kosovo and Serbia remains “the only way to ensure security and stability in the region”, stressing the need for both parties to fulfil their respective obligations under all agreements reached under European Union-facilitated dialogue. He added: “This is the only path that leads towards EU membership.”
The representative of the United States said her Government remains committed to the peace and stability of the Western Balkans, with the goal of fostering democracy, regional integration and vibrant multi-ethnic societies. She called on both Kosovo and Serbia to refrain from escalatory actions and return to the European Union-facilitated dialogue, which should be the channel to resolve issues related to the normalization of relations — rather than the Security Council.
Expressing concerns over the plan to enforce the Central Bank of Kosovo’s amended regulations on cash transactions — without adequate preparation or consultation with the local population — she called for it to be immediately postponed. She further voiced concern over uncoordinated actions by Pristina, including law enforcement operations at offices of Serbia-supported institutions in western Kosovo. While the Council is not the platform for resolving the issue, she drew its attention to acute threats coming from outside Kosovo, condemning coordinated violent Serb paramilitary attacks on the Kosovo Police on 24 September. Serbia, she insisted, must work with KFOR to prevent any similar attack.
The representative of the United Kingdom observed that current tensions reinforce the need for Pristina and Belgrade to engage with renewed commitment to European Union-facilitated dialogue and progress towards the normalization of relations. Further, both should honour their existing commitments and avoid unilateral actions or rhetoric that reduces prospects for sustainable normative agreements. For its part, Kosovo should exercise its sovereign powers in a manner consistent with the vision of multi-ethnic democracy embedded in its constitution. While noting that the Central Bank’s recent actions have sought to fulfil its responsibility to regulate foreign currency, he said that Pristina’s implementation of these measures “has so far shown insufficient regard” for their impact on minority communities. Kosovo’s authorities should establish a clear plan to ensure that all affected Kosovo Serbs can continue receiving their incomes, and that essential services can operate until a sustainable solution is found.
The representative of China noted that Pristina recently issued a ban on the Serbian dinar, closed down some Serbian institutions and conducted violent searches of some Serbs in northern Kosovo. These unilateral actions have caused mass panic and tension in that community, which is gravely concerning. More acute inter-ethnic tensions threaten regional peace and security and serve no one’s interests, he noted, calling on Pristina to revoke its unjustified and unreasonable decisions and cease and desist any moves that might aggravate the situation. The situation bears on the peace and stability of Europe as a whole, and unilateral actions are not conducive to revolving the Kosovo issue. He called on the parties to reach a mutually acceptable political solution within the framework of Council resolution 1244 (1999), with full respect of the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of Serbia respected throughout the process.
The representative of Slovenia called on Serbia and Kosovo to continue their commitment to the European Union-facilitated dialogue and the normalization of their relations, as her delegation believes that both parties have a place in the bloc. Noting the regulation by the Central Bank of Kosovo, aimed at enhancing financial transparency and combating money-laundering, she expressed concern about the potential impact on financial support to Kosovo Serbs from Serbia, advising Pristina to inform and consult Kosovo Serbs about the decisions that affect their lives in advance of making them. Voicing concern over the slow progress of the report on the attack in Banjska in September 2023, she underscored that violence against KFOR personnel is unacceptable. Commending the recent agreement on the mutual recognition of vehicle license plates, she called on Belgrade and Pristina to implement the “Agreement on the Path to Normalization between Kosovo and Serbia” and its “Implementation Annex”.
The representative of Algeria expressed concern over Pristina’s recent financial decision, which could negatively impact Kosovo Serbs who receive financial assistance and social benefits from Belgrade. This unilateral decision, taken without prior consultation with Belgrade, might impact hospitals and schools providing essential services to Kosovo Serbs, he said. Further, it may raise ethnic tensions, risk further escalation in an already tense context, undermine fragile stability in Kosovo and seriously hinder efforts towards normalization. Reiterating UNMIK’s vital role in stabilizing the situation on the ground, he welcomed the European Union-facilitated dialogue aimed at advancing a political settlement in line with the principle of subsidiarity between the UN and regional organizations. He added that constructive, genuine dialogue is the only viable path to reach a mutually acceptable solution within the framework of resolution 1244 (1999).
The representative of France noted that his country and the European Union have expressed serious concern over Kosovo’s recent actions on the currency and the operations of the Kosovo Police, which will have negative consequences for the daily life of the Serbian community. He reiterated a call for the immediate suspension of the decision by the Central Bank of Kosovo in order to allow for a sufficient transition period. Further, the status of Serb parallel structures must be exclusively resolved through creation of the Association of Serb-Majority Municipalities. He reaffirmed its support for the perspective of European integration of Serbia and Kosovo, as “no one can deny the sovereign will of both countries to favour the European choice”. There is no alternative, neither for Belgrade nor for Pristina, than to reach agreement and resolve their disputes once and for all, which is solely possible within the framework of European Union-facilitated dialogue.
The representative of Mozambique expressed concern over reports of atrocities against civilians reported in the letter of 5 February from the Government of Serbia to the presidency of the Security Council. His delegation is not in favour of any actions that deprive populations from basic needs and resources for their survival. Stressing that the promotion of peace and reconciliation in Kosovo and the region at large is of paramount importance, he commended the diplomatic efforts that led to the agreement between Belgrade and Pristina known as the “Agreement on the path to normalization between Kosovo and Serbia” — a milestone achievement facilitated by the European Union. He further called on Serbia and Kosovo to remain fully committed to the process of normalizing relations through promoting constructive dialogue and avoiding unilateral actions that may further escalate tensions.
The representative of Japan noted the recent regulation of the Kosovo Central Bank on cash operations — a measure implemented as part of the fight against counterfeit money and money-laundering to ensure transparency of cash flows in Kosovo. However, he voiced concern about its impact on the everyday lives of the many Kosovo Serbs who use the Serbian currency and may, therefore, be disadvantaged. While Kosovo, as “a sovereign nation”, requires such measures, he affirmed that such policies should not be rushed but approached with full and transparent communication. He therefore echoed messages from the Quint Embassies and other international community members, advising Kosovo to proceed with caution to avoid increasing tensions, by addressing the impact of the regulation. He reiterated that the issues raised today should be discussed further in the framework of the European Union-facilitated Belgrade-Pristina dialogue towards the normalization of relations.
The representative of Switzerland stressed that the dialogue facilitated by the European Union is the framework within which both parties can — and must — address contentious issues, including the implementation of the new regulation introduced by the Central Bank of Kosovo. While acknowledging the legitimacy of the objectives pursued by this regulation — namely, ensuring the transparency of financial flows and combating counterfeiting and money-laundering — he expressed concern over its short-term implementation. Actions perceived as deliberately restrictive towards a particular ethnic group can undermine trust, and he therefore welcomed Pristina’s announcement of a planned transitional period, along with enhanced communication. Underscoring that building neighbourly relations requires both parties to implement their commitments under the Brussels and Ohrid agreements, he welcomed progress made so far and encouraged both parties to continue making progress towards normalizing relations in good faith.
The representative of the Republic of Korea voiced regret that, despite last year’s agreement between Belgrade and Pristina to resume negotiations to normalize relations, the parties have not made significant progress. Rather, the situation in northern Kosovo, where over 100,000 ethnic Serbian residents live, is worsening due to sporadic incidents that are compounding tensions. He cited the recent regulation of the Kosovo Central Bank on currency transactions as a cause for concern, even if intended to enhance financial stability and transparency. Many ethnic Serbian residents still receive salaries and pensions from Serbia, so if this regulation is implemented, it will negatively impact their daily lives and access to basic social services. He therefore welcomed Kosovo’s decision to suspend implementation of the regulation, further calling on both sides to refrain from provocative statements and unilateral actions and actively participate in European Union-led negotiations towards normalizing relations.
The representative of Sierra Leone welcomed UNMIK’s continued engagement with all relevant actors to promote security, stability, the rule of law and respect for human rights in Kosovo and the region, in line with its mandate. Recalling the provisions of resolution 1244 (1999), he called on the political leadership of both Kosovo and Serbia to constructively engage in dialogue to ensure the attainment of critical institutional reforms, which will both engender peace and a normal life for all inhabitants of Kosovo and advance regional stability in the Western Balkans. On Pristina’s decision to phase out the Serbian dinar, he welcomed the suspended implementation of this measure as it will allow for necessary dialogue and engagement. Pointing out that Sierra Leone has demonstrated, as a post-conflict country, that peace can be achieved through dialogue, compromise and mutual understanding, he quoted Albert Einstein: “Peace cannot be kept by force — it can only be achieved by understanding.”
The representative of Ecuador noted that the recent measure providing for the exclusive use of the euro in financial transactions, eliminating the use of the Serbian dinar in areas predominantly inhabited by ethnic Serbs, left the international community with questions regarding its impact on the basic rights of the communities involved. It is further essential to avoid actions or rhetoric that could exacerbate tensions or contribute to instability in the region, protecting the rights and well-being of all communities. Achieving viable and sustainable agreements requires that both parties must maintain an open, transparent and inclusive process that takes into account the diverse needs and expectations of all stakeholders, including women, young people and civil society. He reiterated Ecuador’s recognition of the work of UNMIK in favour of dialogue and stability in the region in coordination with international partners.
The representative of Guyana, Council President for February, speaking in her national capacity, voiced concerned about the recent events and their possible negative consequences on the lives and well-being of members of the ethnic Serb minority community in Kosovo. It is imperative that all parties act responsibly, she noted, underscoring the importance of policies that are responsive to the needs and concerns of all persons, including ethnic minorities. She welcomed efforts by the European Union in facilitating the ongoing dialogue between the parties, a critical avenue for achieving a final resolution. Guyana supports a multi-ethnic, democratic Kosovo that receives international recognition and can become a full member of the international multilateral system; this requires renewed commitment to Belgrade-Pristina dialogue, and Kosovo’s dedication to the enforcement of principles of democracy, the protection of the human rights of all its population and respect for the rule of law.
Mr. VUČIĆ, taking the floor for a second time, emphasized that his country will do everything possible to keep peace and stability in the region, and that in his intervention, he had presented facts without ad hominem insults. Addressing statements that Serbs are bringing sacks of currency through administrative lines to influence criminals, he said the sacks were transported by a company named Henderson, “doing a legal job” transferring Serbia’s money to Kosovo. As for Council members’ references to the suspension of implementation of the regulation abolishing the Serbian dinar, he stressed: “it’s not true at all”. Noting that the only territorial integrity that has been violated per resolution 1244 (1999) is Serbia’s, he thanked the 109 UN Member States that have not recognized Kosovo’s independence, affirming that Serbia is an independent country and is not a puppet of the United States, the Russian Federation or any other State.
Mr. KURTI, while underscoring that the Serbian dinar has not been banned in Kosova, stated that the euro is the only currency that can be used as a means of payment. That currency, he recalled, was used for subsidies, social assistance and grants for education and health care disbursed to Serb-majority municipalities, stressing: “Believe me, they all take euros — no problem.” He said, however, that he will provide more communication and information to Serbs in the coming days — in the Serbian language — “so they understand me better and clearly”. Transitioning from the dinar to the euro as a means for payment will be easier than converting license plates, he emphasized, also stating that Kosova is committed to dialogue with Serbia. However, there is already an agreement in place and, to implement it, he urged the bilateral action of signing the instrument. He also said that, as Prime Minister, he “guarantees” that Kosova seeks no revenge for past events, either politically or economically.