TIRANA, August 12 – The US State Department has reacted to statements about a possible change in the course of the Ibër River. The department told Radio Free Europe that peace and stability in the Western Balkans remain US priorities. A State Department spokesperson said normalisation of relations between Serbia and Kosova forms an essential part of this process.
Meanwhile, Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic said on August 9 that Serbian authorities were consulting experts about a possible change to the course of the Ibër River. He linked the issue to the demolition of houses and villas belonging to Serbs near Lake Ujman in northern Kosova. His statement prompted strong reactions from officials in Kosova. It also led to a public exchange between Albanian and Serbian officials.
Earlier, the European Commission said progress in the dialogue between Belgrade and Prishtina remains a condition for both sides to advance on their European paths. The European Union also commented on the recent demolitions in the Lake Ujman area. Vucic had linked those demolitions to his statement about a possible change to the course of the Ibër River.
Regarding the situation at Lake Ujman, the European Commission said it had already expressed concern about the recent demolitions. The Commission also said authorities must follow due legal process when they take measures with irreversible consequences. In addition, it said affected people must have an effective opportunity to seek legal protection. Where applicable, they must also have access to temporary judicial protection before authorities implement such measures.
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