Kosovo postpones fines for Serbian license plates at US request

The Kosovo authorities, at the request of the US Ambassador to Pristina, Jeffrey Hovenier, have decided to postpone for 48 hours the entry into force of fines for Serbian license plates. The Prime Minister of the partially recognized Kosovo, Albin Kurti, announced this on Twitter.

“I accept the request for a 48-hour delay [решения] on penalties for [выданные сербскими властями] car numbers “KM” (and other types). I am happy to work with the US and the EU to find a solution over the next two days,” Kurti wrote, mentioning Jovener’s involvement in resolving this situation.

In his Twitter account, the American ambassador noted that Washington is concerned that Belgrade and Pristina could not reach an agreement the day before in Brussels. Hovenier also mentioned that the US authorities have asked Kosovo to delay the entry into force of fines for Serbian numbers by two days in order for the US and EU to help the parties find a solution.

On the eve of November 21, Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic informedthat negotiations between Belgrade and Pristina did not produce results. According to him, the Serbian side acted constructively, but Pristina wanted to add “something that is impossible” to the texts of the agreement.

The absence of a decision to de-escalate the situation was also confirmed by the European Commission. “It was about the responsibility of both leaders for urgent de-escalation. Unfortunately, today they did not agree on a decision,” said Peter Stano, spokesman for the EC.

On November 1, the Kosovo authorities introduced a requirement that only local RKS numbers, and not Serbian ones, can be driven in Kosovo. For violation of this rule, drivers were planned to be fined 150 euros.

In connection with the decision taken by the Kosovo authorities on November 5, the leader of the Serbs from Kosovo and Metohija, the head of the Serbian List party, Goran Rakic, said that the Serbs had withdrawn from all institutions of power in Kosovo.

So, Rakic ​​resigned from the post of government minister. After his statement, Serbian deputies also announced their resignation from parliament, then judges and members of municipalities announced their resignations. In addition, Serbian police leaders took off their uniforms and epaulettes of the unrecognized Kosovo right during the meeting.

Borrell has previously said November 29 is the deadline by which Belgrade and Pristina need to reach an agreement to avoid a major crisis.

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