Splits Over Serbian Taxes 'Damage' Kosovo

Disagreements between Kosovo leaders over the 100-per-cent tariffs on imports from Serbia and Bosnia are damaging the country's negotiating position with Serbia, some experts say.

"Clashes between the Prime Minister and the President create the need for an internal deal [on the issue of tariffs]," a Pristina-based journalist, Agron Halitaj, told BIRN.

Pressure on Kosovo from the international community to withdraw the import tax has brought the different stances of its top officials to the surface.

President Hashim Thaci has called on the government of Ramush Haradinaj to respect the US advice and withdraw the tax, noting that "the US is concerned over current developments and some actions taken by state institutions".

"This is a very unfortunate situation. So now is the moment to respect the advice of our American friend, which aims to strengthen the statehood of Kosovo and the pacification of the region," Thaci wrote on Facebook on Saturday.

He added that no personal desire of any state leader should dare to hurt country's state interest and the US strategic interest in Kosovo and beyond.

"Populist actions must not interfere with Kosovo's vision and strategic decisions. The encroachment of relations with the US, of this sacred alliance, is the beginning of the encroachment of our state," Thaci wrote.

President Thaci earlier told the Washington Post that Kosovo should "consider lifting the tariffs, if a clear way to proceed towards reaching a Final Peace Agreement with Serbia is opened".

Prime Minister Haradinaj has repeatedly stated that this will not happen until Serbia recognises the independence of its former province.

"We could remove it [the import tax] today… but never if Serbia is not ready to...