Serbian gov't allows freedom of movement for all vehicles from Kosovo-Metohija

BELGRADE - The Serbian government has decided to allow freedom of movement for all vehicles from Kosovo-Metohija, the head of the government Office for Kosovo-Metohija Petar Petkovic said on Monday evening.

Petkovic noted the following disclaimer would be displayed at all border and administrative crossings:

"Allowing participation in road traffic by all vehicles registered by the Pristina interim self-government institutions is exclusively for practical reasons and aimed at facilitating the position of individuals and allowing them freedom of movement, and cannot be interpreted as recognition of the unilaterally declared independence of the so-called Kosovo, does not prejudge the determination of the final status and cannot be interpreted as Belgrade's consent to deviations from the rights guaranteed under UNSCR 1244."

The decision enters into force on January 1.

Petkovic said the move protected the rights of Serbs in Kosovo-Metohija and ensured freedom of movement to them.

"We have not crossed the red lines in the safeguarding of the national integrity and sovereignty," he said.

At the same session, a decision was also made that the lines must not be crossed, and it is binding to all, he said.

"At today's government session, we adopted a special decision on the principle, approach and position binding the president of Serbia as well as the entire government to adhere clearly and unequivocally to our red lines in talks and in the dialogue (with Pristina) and (mandating) that the sovereignty and territorial integrity be absolutely respected, as has also been done in the past," he said.

Petkovic said this was an important decision indicating clearly and unequivocally that there was no recognition of the so-called Kosovo or membership for it in the UN and organisations and agencies of the UN system.

"Like the IDs allowed a year ago, the licence plates whose use we have allowed are not a symbol of statehood," Petkovic said, adding that, for instance, Hong Kong licence plates differed from those in mainland China.

He also cited the example of Italy, where different regions use different licence plates.