Germany calls on Kosovo to remove ban on Serbian goods

(ANSA) - PRISTINA, 02 OTT - The German government's special envoy for the Western Balkans, Manuel Sarrazin, visiting Priština today, called on Kosovo's leadership to remove the ban on the entry of Serbian goods and products into the country, imposed more than a year ago as part of the persistent dispute and confrontation with Belgrade, which is preventing progress toward normalization of relations between the parties.
    According to Sarrazin, who is attending a Germany-Kosovo Economic Forum, the ban is contrary to the Central European Free Trade Agreement (CEFTA), to which both Serbia and Kosovo are parties. He said he was aware of the existing problems between the two sides, and the German diplomat underlined that "it is necessary to show the region that positive developments are possible." Sarrazin also appealed for tolerance and a sense of responsibility ahead of the regional summit scheduled in two weeks to mark the 10th anniversary of the 'in two weeks, which will mark the 10th anniversary of the Berlin Process, the initiative launched in 2014 by then-Chancellor Berlin Process,' the initiative launched in 2014 by then Chancellor Angela Merkel to support and accelerate the European integration of the Western Balkans. (ANSA).