Serbia rejects Kosovo's decision to nationalize mining complex
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Publication Date | 11 October 2016 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Serbia rejects Kosovo's decision to nationalize mining complex, 11 October 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5975a0d13.html [accessed 17 September 2023] |
| Comments | All reference to Kosovo should be understood in full compliance with United Nations Security Council Resolution 1244. |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
October 11, 2016
The Trepca mining complex once accounted for two-thirds of Kosovo's economy. (file photo)
Belgrade has rejected Kosovo's decision to nationalize the massive Trepca mining complex that straddles the border with Serbia.
Serbian Prime Minister Aleksandar Vucic told reporters on October 11 that Belgrade sees Pristina's decision as "null and void."
Tensions have been running high between Pristina and Belgrade after Kosovo's parliament voted on October 7 to nationalize the Trepca mining complex, located in Kosovo's northern region of Mitrovica – which is divided between ethnic Albanians to the south of the Ibar River and mostly ethnic Serbs to the north.
It is the latest move in a long-running battle to avoid bankruptcy for the facility, which once accounted for around two-thirds of Kosovo's economy but now operates at a trickle with more than $1.5 billion in creditor claims against it. Bankruptcy proceedings could begin as soon as November 1.
But Serbia, which considers the complex its property, and Kosovo, which declared independence from Belgrade eight years ago, dispute the complicated ownership structure of Trepca.
That has left the complex in the hands of a trust with help from a United Nations body aimed at preparing it for sale.
With reporting by AFP
Link to original story on RFE/RL website