PRISTINA, Aug 11 /ATA/The U.S. State Department has responded to remarks about a possible change in the course of the Ibar River, telling Radio Free Europe that peace and stability in the Western Balkans remain priorities for the United States.
“Normalising relations between Serbia and Kosovo is an essential part of this process,” a State Department spokesperson said.
Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic said on August 9 that Serbian authorities were discussing with experts the possibility of altering the course of the Ibar River, linking the issue to the demolition of Serb-owned houses and villas near Lake Gazivoda in northern Kosovo.
His remarks drew strong reactions from officials in Kosovo and were followed by a public exchange between Albanian and Serbian officials.
The European Commission also reiterated that progress in the Belgrade-Pristina dialogue is a prerequisite for both sides to advance on their respective paths towards the European Union.
The EU also commented on the recent demolitions in the area around Lake Gazivoda/Ujman, which Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic had linked to his remarks about the possibility of altering the course of the Ibar River.
“As regards the situation at Lake Gazivoda/Ujman, we have already expressed our concerns over the recent demolitions,” the EU said in a response.
The European Commission said that any enforcement measures with irreversible consequences must comply with due process.
“Those affected must be given an effective opportunity to seek legal remedies and, where applicable, interim judicial protection before the measure is implemented,” the response said. /rel/sm/
