UN MISSION IN KOSOVO AND BELGRADE AGREE ON CUSTOMS

BELGRADE, May 25 (Hina) - Yugoslav authorities and the UN Civilian Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) on Friday reached agreement on setting up joint customs check-points which should register and control the situation along the boundary-line between Serbia and Kosovo, according to a statement they issued after their meeting. The two parties released the joint statement in which they made public their agreement of 23 May. Under the deal, no duties should be paid for goods made in Serbia. This cooperation should facilitate the fight against the smuggling and tax evasion, which have so far affected the Serbian economy, the statement read. Two months ago the issue of customs check-points between Serbia and Kosovo stirred political storms in Serbia and controversial statements were given by Serbian and UNMIK representatives. UNMIK, KFOR (international peace-keepers in Kosovo) and the EU had then set up customs check-points at the boundary-line between Kosovo and southern Serbia, and Belgrade asserted that it was without the knowledge of Yugoslav authorities. A few days after, Kosovo Serbs blocked roads in northern Kosovo insisting on the removal of the said check-points, but they withdrew following an operation of KFOR. (hina) ms