From Euronews in Spanish with EFE • last update: 21.06.2023 – 12:09
After Kosovo banned trucks with Serbian license plates from entering. In response, the latter have decided to close the border for drivers who want to leave Kosovo.
There is a blockade in both directions on the Kosovar border with Serbia.
“Due to the ongoing protests on Serbian territory, near the Jarinje and Merdare border crossings, it is not possible for trucks and buses from Kosovo to drive through,” Kosovar Foreign Minister Donika Gervalla said in a statement published by the Pristina daily Koha Ditore.
Last week, Pristina announced it would not allow trucks with Serbian number plates to enter Kosovo after allegedly illegally arresting three Kosovan police officers by Serbian authorities.
Belgrade assures that the arrests took place on Serbian territory, while Pristina reiterates that its police officers were “kidnapped” on Kosovar soil, some 300 meters from the border with Serbia, and demands their release.
In response, Serbian truck drivers have been blocking the passage of trucks and buses with Kosovo plates at the passes in Jarinje and Merdare since Monday, Serbian media reported today.
“People are outraged by the situation in this southern Serbian province. We will stay here as long as it is necessary,” the Serbian daily Blic quoted a Serbian truck driver as saying.