Djuric: There are still barriers to Serbian goods in Kosovo-Metohija

BELGRADE - Serbian FM Marko Djuric said on Tuesday barriers to goods from central Serbia remained in the Autonomous Province of Kosovo-Metohija despite Pristina's decision to lift its ban on the goods at the Merdare administrative crossing.

Speaking to Prva TV, Djuric said the fact the goods were not allowed through other administrative crossings meant that "there still are barriers and blockades, and that someone still does not want to enable normal circulation of assets and free movement of goods, people and services," he said.

By banning Serbian goods, the regime of Pristina's PM Albin Kurti wants to create impossible living conditions for Serbs in Kosovo-Metohija, he said.

"It is a philosophy the Kurti regime is constantly trying to push under various excuses, and that 'philosophy' - which is, in fact, an ethno-nationalistic policy - is a disguise for an intent and a desire to stifle the economy of Serbs in the Autonomous Province of Kosovo-Metohija as the basic precondition for the survival of the Serbs," Djuric said.

He added that Pristina's decision had come after international pressure resulting from diplomatic activities by Serbia.

"I am very skeptical about any good will on Kurti's part and I think that the international community must impose sanctions over his decisions with greater determination," Djuric said.