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NewKosovo Prime Minister Pledges to Remove 100% Serbian Import Tariffs

Leonat Shehu

   PRISTINA - Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti pledges to abolish the
   100% tariffs on Serbian imports, an impediment in normalization efforts
   between the two countries since 2018.

   Kurti, who was confirmed as prime minister by the Kosovo Assembly on
   Monday, said in an interview with Voice of America that the objective
   of the ruling coalition composedof his party, Vetvendosje
   (Self-Determination), and the Democratic League of Kosovo, is to
   introduce "measures of full reciprocity in trade, politics and economy"
   with Serbia.

   This is not about revenge but justice, stated Kurti, adding,
   "Reciprocity is fairness.It is a fair approach. It is on the justice
   record, and I know that in one of his statements. U.S. President Donald
   Trump has mentioned reciprocity as a value and a concept that is close
   to his heart. So, international relations in the world today are built
   on this principle."

   Lamenting what he called "numerous unacceptable actions that Serbia has
   taken towards us," he described Kosovo's reactions as defensive
   measures. "Serbia's campaign is offensive. Reciprocity is protection,
   it is defensive, and it is the minimum for some kind of dignity and
   integrity of our being an independent state."

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