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Kosovo: Coalition rift deepens over tax on Serbian goods GazetaExpress 3 minutes _____ The PDK chairman, Kadri Veseli, proposed Monday a 120-day suspension of 100 percent tax on imports from Serbia and Bosnia-Herzegovina to, as he said, opening the way for continuation of dialogue with Serbia. But his proposal was not approved by Haradinaj who came up with a proposal to organize an international conference on solving Kosovo's issue and clear guarantees from the US and EU for a legally-binding agreement which would be concluded with recognition of Kosovo by Serbia. The Prime Minister send a letter on Tuesday to prime ministers around the world saying that he wants negotiations on the basis of "principles of mutual recognition" with Belgrade in exchange of rescinding tax. In a televised interview on Tuesday evening, Speaker of Parliament Veseli admitted disagreements with the Prime Minister, saying his proposal on organizing an international conference puts into question independence of Kosovo declared on 17 February 2008. "Two are the issues in Haradinaj's letter which I disagree: First, Haradinaj has proposed a14-day international conference. The question is why we need an international conference, after 17 February 2008 and the ruling of International Court of Justice that Kosovo's independence is not in violation with international law. And second, I think this will open a way for Russia to attend such a conference," Veseli told Dukagjini TV. According to Veseli, the US, who Kosovo's key ally, is asking suspension of tax. On Tuesday, Haradinaj appearing before media gave a bold statement on US request. "If one of the conditions set by me becomes an obstacle to strain relations with someone, never mind!" he said indicating that he will resist US request on suspending tax. But Veseli says that deteriorating relations with the US means the end of current government. "Kosovo should never condition the United States. The day Kosovo puts into question partnership with the US, means the end of coalition and I will vacate my seat as Speaker. We cannot protect Kosovo without US help," Veseli stated. In November last year, the Government of Kosovo imposed 100 percent tax on Serbian imports to counter Serbia's aggressive campaign against its statehood, after Serbia's foreign ministry campaigning in some countries to withdraw recognition of Kosovo. -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "SERBIAN NEWS NETWORK" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to [email protected]. To post to this group, send email to [email protected]. Visit this group at https://groups.google.com/group/senet. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.
