Free border crossing: Serbia and Kosovo settle identity dispute

The dispute between Serbia and Kosovo over entry documents has been resolved, according to EU foreign policy chief Borrell. All citizens can now travel freely between the two countries with their respective identity cards.

According to the European Union, Serbia and Kosovo have resolved a dispute over the validity of their citizens’ identity documents when crossing the border.

“We have an agreement,” EU foreign policy chief Josef Borrell said. “During EU-brokered negotiations, Serbia agreed to cancel special entry and exit documents for Kosovo passport holders. Kosovo has promised not to introduce such documents to Serbian passport holders. All citizens Borel said that they can now travel freely between Kosovo and Serbia with their respective identity cards.

Borrell spoke of a “European solution”. The Spanish politician also wrote that he congratulated Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic and Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurdi on the decision. Kurdi also responded on Twitter shortly after: “Reciprocity should be the spirit of fundamental solutions.”

The Serbian government’s Kosovo representative, Peter Petkovic, spoke of a move “to ensure peace and stability on the territory of Kosovo and to obtain Serbian identity cards for Serbs living in Kosovo.” “.

CONTROVERSIAL ENTRY RULES

The controversial entry rules for Serbs were due to come into force on 1 September. First, they should have come into effect on August 1. However, under pressure from the US and EU, the plans were postponed by a month. The goal of the Kosovar government is to treat Kosovars as Serbia treats Serbs across the border.

For almost a decade and a half, Serbia has refused to recognize the declaration of independence of its former province, Kosovo. Muslim Kosovo declared independence from Serbia in 2008. Germany and most member states of the United Nations recognize the republic. About five percent of the 1.8 million Kosovars are Serbs.

There have been sieges and clashes between the Serbian minority and security forces along the border in the past. EU mediation between the former wartime enemies has made little progress in recent years.