Office for Kosovo-Metohija issues memo on consequences of Pristina's dinar ban

WASHINGTON - The Serbian government Office for Kosovo-Metohija has issued a memorandum warning that Pristina's ban on the Serbian dinar could have far-reaching consequences for critical sectors such as hospitals, educational institutions and kindergartens, which are vital for the needs of Kosovo-Metohija Serbs, US-based internet news portal The Pavlovic Today reports, quoting diplomatic sources.

The memorandum, seen by the portal, says a suspension of payments in Serbian dinars would "immediately impact over 100,000 Serbs, as well as various ethnic groups such as Roma, Gorani, Montenegrins, Croatians, Turks, Ashkalis, Egyptians, Albanians, and Bosniaks."

The document, which is "currently making rounds within influential EU and US diplomatic circles," notes the move is "the most dangerous escalatory step Pristina took so far."

Vital institutions such as schools, kindergartens, and hospitals would be "incapacitated in meeting their financial obligations, including salary disbursements, procurement of essentials, and operational expenses," it says.

"Such a scenario threatens to precipitate a dire humanitarian crisis, exacerbating the already precarious situation for the Serbs in Kosovo."

Furthermore, the memo "expresses serious concerns about the profound impact the suspension of the Serbian dinar would have on Serbian-owned small businesses and essential services."

"The inability to conduct transactions in the Serbian currency jeopardises the viability of these businesses, raising the spectre of closures and subsequent job losses. This situation could lead to economic turmoil for the Serbian community in Kosovo."

"Politically, the memo raises alarm about the potential fallout on established EU-led dialogue, past agreements, and energy pacts, which are pivotal pillars of regional cooperation efforts. The disruption caused by the unilateral suspension of the Serbian dinar by the Kosovo government would imperil the delicate balance achieved through these agreements, casting a shadow of uncertainty over the future prospects of regional stability."

The memorandum also "underscores the events of Orthodox Christmas Eve in 2023, when 11-year-old Serb boy Stefan Stojanovic was admitted to Gracanica Hospital after he and his 21-year-old relative were shot and wounded by a member of the Kosovo Security Force, identified as Azem Kurtaj, during their participation in an Orthodox Christmas procession," The Pavlovic Today reports.