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Albania responds to Vučić after threats to leave Kosovo without water

2026-08-10 15:19:20Politikë SHKRUAR NGA REDAKSIA VOX

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has reacted to the statement of Serbian President Aleksandar Vu?i? regarding the possibility of changing the course of the Ibar River and the involvement of Serbian experts and institutions in examining this possibility.

Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Ferit Hoxha, has expressed "deep concern" about the statement, emphasizing that changing the course of a river that is part of a transboundary water system cannot be treated as a purely internal matter of a state.

According to Hoxha, any intervention that may affect the territory, environment, security and water supply of another country must be done in accordance with international law and through consultations with the affected party.

"Changing the flow of a river that is part of a transboundary water system is not a purely internal issue or a decision that can be taken unilaterally," the minister said.

Hoxha also referred to Serbia's international obligations, emphasizing that Belgrade has been a party to the UNECE Convention on the Protection and Use of Transboundary Waters and International Lakes since 2010.

According to him, the principles of fair and reasonable use of transboundary waters, the prevention of transboundary damage, as well as the obligation for cooperation, exchange of information and consultation are part of the standards of international law.

According to the Serbian president, the idea of ??changing the course of the Ibar has existed since 1985 and is related to the needs of the residents near the lake. He claimed that such a project could also affect the reduction of the water level in Lake Ujman, from which Kosovo is supplied with water. The Serbian president also touched on the demolition of unauthorized buildings near Lake Ujman, saying that he is closely following developments.

"We have already invited experts who deal with this issue, the construction sector, engineers and others. We have reasons for changing the course of the Ibar, and then we will see what the Albanians will do and how they will behave. We are a sovereign state. Sometimes we have interests of this kind, sometimes of another kind, and, in accordance with these interests, we will behave."

"For those who are great defenders of our people, ask our people in Kosovo who they see as their only defender, because I see these circumstances very well and deal with them every day. And it is very difficult. Meanwhile, is it an option for us at this moment to go to war with NATO? I think it is not," Vu?i? said.

Full post:

Albania expresses deep concern over the statement of the President of Serbia, Aleksandar Vu?i?, 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 resolution 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 unilateral interventions and actions.


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