Serbian president slams Turkey over arms sales to Kosovo

Whereas a 1998 U.N. Safety Council decision does proscribe the sale or provide of weapons to Kosovo, an settlement from the next 12 months, U.N. Safety Council Decision 1244, states that this prohibition “shall not apply to arms and associated matériel for using the worldwide civil and safety presences.”

Belgrade and Ankara have maintained complicated relations, balancing financial cooperation with deep historic and political tensions. Turkey stays one in all Kosovo’s strongest allies and was among the many first international locations to acknowledge its 2008 declaration of independence from Serbia.

Vučić’s feedback observe earlier accusations in opposition to Albania and Croatia of fueling an “arms race” within the area following the signing of a joint declaration on protection cooperation with Kosovo in March.

The most recent accusations come amid heightened tensions in northern Kosovo, the place sporadic clashes between Serb communities and Kosovo’s safety forces in recent times have reignited considerations over regional safety.

Ankara has not but formally responded to Vučić’s remarks, however Turkish officers have beforehand defended their army cooperation with Pristina as a part of efforts to strengthen regional protection capacities.

In Jan. 2024, Turkish Protection Minister Yaşar Güler and his Kosovar counterpart Ejup Maqedonci signed a army framework settlement in Ankara, increasing cooperation on arms gross sales, joint workout routines and coaching packages.