(ANSA) - BELGRADE, SEP 24 - The situation at the border
between Kosovo and Serbia is relatively calm but full of tension
on the fourth day in which demonstrations by Serbians are
blocking the border crossings of Jarinje and Brnjak to protest
the licence plate change requirement for vehicles entering from
Serbia. The two border crossings are blocked by a long line of
lorries, bulldozers, tyres and other material preventing the
regular passage of vehicles, making it possible to cross the
border only on foot. The Merdare border crossing is currently
the only one open to cars and lorries. The demonstrators are
being held at bay by a massive deployment of armed Kosovar
special forces police backed by armoured trucks. The protesters
spent another night sleeping in tents to hold their positions
and demonstrate against what they consider a unilateral and
provocatory decision by Pristina. Since 20 September, all
vehicles entering from Serbia and circulating in Kosovo have
been required to change their Serbian licence plates to
temporary Kosovar ones valid for two months at a cost of five
euros. Kosovar Prime Minister Albin Kurti said the decision was
made under the "principle of reciprocity" in response to a
similar requirement that Kosovar vehicles entering Serbia must
abide by. The situation has further cemented the positions of
the two already distant parties, placing new doubts on the
possibility for continuing the EU-facilitated dialogue between
the governments. Numerous appeals for moderation and a return to
the negotiating table have come from the EU in Brussels, but
Belgrade said it will allow the dialogue to resume only if the
situation goes back to the way it was before 20 September, with
a revocation of the licence plate requirement and the withdrawal
from majority-Serb North Kosovo of the armed units of the
Kosovar police. Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic said Serbia
is a sovereign country and Kosovo is not and cannot impose its
own vehicle licence plates with the initials RKS - Republic of
Kosovo. (ANSA).
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