Albanian Foreign Minister Ferit Hoxha has expressed deep concern regarding the statements of Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić about the possibility of changing the course of the Ibar River and the involvement of Serbian experts and institutions in examining such a possibility.
Hoxha emphasizes that changing the flow of a river that is part of a transboundary water system cannot be treated as an internal issue or decided unilaterally, especially when the consequences may affect the territory, environment, water security and water supply of Kosovo.
According to Minister Hoxha, international law provides for fair and reasonable use of transboundary waters, the prevention of transboundary damage, as well as the obligation for cooperation, exchange of information and consultation on any measure that may have consequences for other countries.
"Water cannot be used as an instrument of political pressure nor as a means to punish another country or population," Hoxha said.
He underlined that Serbia has been a party to the UNECE Convention on the Protection and Use of Transboundary Watercourses and International Lakes since 2010 and must respect its international obligations and the principles of good neighborliness.
Hoxha requested that any project or measure that could affect the flow, quantity or quality of waters affecting Kosovo be based on scientific data, a full assessment of the transboundary impact, and consultation with the affected party.
In conclusion, the Foreign Minister expressed Albania's support for Kosovo's right to security, sustainable development and protection of water resources, emphasizing that such issues should be resolved through dialogue, cooperation and European standards, and not through threats or unilateral actions.
"Albania expresses deep concern over the statement of the President of Serbia, Aleksandar Vučić, regarding the possibility of changing the course of the #Ibar River and the involvement of Serbian experts and institutions in examining such a possibility.
Changing the flow of a river that forms part of a transboundary water system is not a purely internal matter or a decision that can be taken unilaterally, especially when its consequences directly affect the territory, environment, water security, water supply and lives of citizens of another country.
International water law is clear in this regard. The principles of equitable and rational use of transboundary waters, the obligation to prevent, control and reduce transboundary damage, as well as the obligation to cooperate, exchange information and consult on measures that may have transboundary consequences, are part of the consolidated standards of international law. Serbia has been a party to the #UNECE Convention on the Protection and Use of Transboundary Watercourses and International Lakes since 2010 and has also accepted its dispute settlement mechanisms.
Albania expects #Serbia to fully respect its international obligations and the principles of good neighborliness. Any project or measure that may affect the flow, quantity or quality of waters affecting Kosovo must be treated with transparency, on the basis of scientific data, with a full transboundary impact assessment and through consultation with the affected party.
#Water cannot be used as an instrument of political pressure nor as a means to punish another country or population.
Albania strongly supports #Kosovo's right to security, sustainable development and the protection of its water resources.
"We strongly believe and expect that such issues will be addressed through #dialogue, cooperation and European standards, not through threats or interventions and unilateral actions," Hoxha declared.
