Petkovic: EC proposal to abolish visas for Kosovo-Metohija Serbs excellent news

BELGRADE - The head of the Serbian government Office for Kosovo-Metohija Petar Petkovic said on Friday a European Commission proposal to abolish visas for holders of Serbian passports from Kosovo-Metohija was excellent news for Serbian citizens.

The passports are issued by the Serbian Coordination Directorate.

"Following an intensive diplomatic struggle and activities by the state of Serbia led by President Aleksandar Vucic, who unequivocally said as early as six months ago we would win the fight to get the visas abolished for our people in Kosovo-Metohija as well and that we can expect good news as early as before the end of the year, that has happened," Petkovic said.

"(European Integration) Minister Tanja Miscevic and her team have worked intensively with European Commission representatives on the proposed decision over the past several months," he said.

He said that, under the EU procedure, the proposal must be coordinated with the European Parliament and the EU Council of Ministers to become an executive decision, after which Kosovo-Metohija Serbs would be able to travel without visas to all EU member states as well as Norway, Switzerland, Lichtenstein and Iceland.

He said Kosovo-Metohija Serbs could expect to be able to travel without visas starting from as early as the first months of next year, and added that this would enable them to save both money and time.