DASH, Kosovo's request/ "Reconsider the decision on the Serbian dinar"

2024-01-24 10:19:44, Kosova & Bota CNA

DASH, Kosovo's request/ "Reconsider the decision on the Serbian

The United States has called on the Government of Kosovo to reconsider the decision of the financial authorities on cash, where the Serbian dinar is also mentioned.

A few days ago, the Central Bank of Kosovo approved a regulation for cash operations that envisages the euro as the only currency for conducting transactions.

This regulation is expected to enter into force on February 1.

In Kosovo, in all Serbian-majority settlements, the population uses the Serbian dinar to make payments, and those who work in Serbian institutions in Kosovo also receive their salaries in dinars.

Pensions are also paid with dinars, according to the Serbian system, as well as child allowances and social benefits.

In the four municipalities with a Serbian majority - North Mitrovica, Leposaviq, Zveçan and Zubin Potok - the Serbian currency is also used in commercial establishments.

A spokesperson for the American embassy in Pristina told "Radio Free Europe" that the Government of Kosovo should consult with the communities affected by this decision, address the concerns expressed by the international community, and provide time for implementation. of the decision, to mitigate the impact it may have on the residents to whom it applies.

"We are concerned that the regulation approved on December 27 will have a negative impact on the Serbian community in Kosovo. According to the laws of Kosovo, as well as on the basis of the commitments made by Kosovo with the Ahtisaari Plan, Serbia has the right to send financial aid to the members of the Serbian community in Kosovo".

The dinars have come to Kosovo from Serbia through the National Bank of Serbia, which has a vault in Leposavic, a municipality in the north of Kosovo inhabited by a majority of Serbs. The money was transported there by the money transport company "Henderson".

In the CBK regulation, it is stated that the import and export of euro banknotes and coins and other currencies in Kosovo are its executive right.

Lista Serbe - the largest party of Serbs in Kosovo that enjoys the support of official Belgrade - has said that this decision of the "regime of Albin Kurti" is a "decision to expel Serbs from these areas without the use of weapons."

Among other things in response, the American embassy has recalled why Kosovo should form the Association of municipalities with a Serbian majority in Kosovo.

"The association is the primary mechanism through which Serbia could offer financial assistance to institutions and individuals, under the legal framework of Kosovo".

Kosovo and Serbia have reached agreement on the Association in 2013 and then in 2015 on the principles for its establishment.

In 2015, the Constitutional Court of Kosovo found that the agreement is not in full harmony with the Constitution.

Serbia demands that Kosovo implement the agreements reached, but the Government of Kosovo has declared against a mono-ethnic association./ REL