Kosovo President: Kosovo should abolish tariffs and stop with populist decisions

Jacques DEMARTHON / AFP

Import tariffs on products from Serbia and Bosnia should be abolished, and Kosovo should stop making populist decisions, as was asked by the US, Kosovo President Hashim Thaci wrote in his Facebook post.

“The US support for Kosovo will not be unconditional if we continue making mistakes which threaten American interests and values in Kosovo and the region and Europe. Our values and visions are fully compatible with American values,” Thaci wrote, adding that without the help of the US and their allies, Kosovo’s success would not be possible.

He pointed out that the current moves by Kosovo authorities are worrying for the US government.

“It’s time that we respect American friendly advice aimed at strengthening the State of Kosovo and bringing peace to the region. No State leader’s decision should question the State and strategic interest of the US regarding Kosovo and the region. Populist moves should not threaten the vision of Kosovo’s strategic decision.”

He concluded that threatening the relations between the US and Kosovo also threatens the State of Kosovo.

Pristina authorities introduced 100 percent import tariffs for the goods from Bosnia and Serbia in late November last year in response to what Kosovo official said was Serbia's “aggressive campaign against Kosovo in the international stage.”

The decision came a day after Bosnia and Serbia failed to support Kosovo's membership in the Interpol but this was never cited as an official reason to introduce the taxes.