Kosovo and Albania: Vučić's statement is destabilizing and contrary to international conventions

The threatening statement of Serbian President Vučić on the possibility of changing the course of the Ibar River has been assessed as chauvinistic and destabilizing by the acting President of Kosovo, Albulena Haxhiu. In his reaction, the Foreign Minister of Albania, Ferit Hoxha, said that water cannot be used as an instrument of political pressure or as a means to punish a country.

The acting president of Kosovo, Albulena Haxhiu, has called the threatening warning of the president of Serbia, Aleksandar Vučić, about the possibility of changing the course of the Ibar River, chauvinistic and destabilizing. Haxhiu, during the organization of the ninth edition of the Conference of Ambassadors of Kosovo, has asked diplomats to speak about this serious threat of Serbia towards Kosovo in the countries where they serve.  

"Unilateral intervention in transboundary watercourses would have consequences far beyond a technical issue, as it would affect the water, energy, environmental and human security of our Republic. For this reason, our diplomats should make these statements known in the capitals where they serve and inform the governments of the host countries about the nature and consequences of this absurd and threatening idea. We must make it clear that the use of water resources as an instrument of pressure on Kosovo is unacceptable and that such ideas that arouse chauvinistic and destabilizing approaches towards Kosovo should receive appropriate international attention and response," Haxhiu said.

The Serbian president in his statement did not hide the purpose of the idea for the Ibar, saying that since Serbs are being mistreated in Kosovo, with the change of its course we will see what the Albanians will do and how they will behave. The same, even in December 2024, after the terrorist attack on the Ibar-Lepenc canal, said that the idea of ​​changing the course of the Ibar has existed since 1985. 

"We have already invited experts who deal with this issue, the construction sector, engineers and others. Since they are mistreating our people so much, let's see, we have different reasons for changing the course of the Ibar, and then we will see what the Albanians will do and how they will behave," Vučić declared on August 9 during a visit to a workshop in Belgrade. 

This statement has also prompted the reaction of the Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs of Albania, Ferit Hoxha. 

"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... 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," Minister Hoxha wrote. 

also Arberi 7 o. before Vučić on the flow of the Ibar River: It is our internal issue, I don't know what it has to do with Albania

But Vučić has also spoken on the same topic, saying that he "is not threatening anyone, but is dealing with water flows in the territory of Serbia." 

"Now, of course, scientists, engineers and everyone else will sit down, examine the issue and propose to me how this can be realized, and that's it. I have not threatened anyone. I am not Kurti to threaten people. I am not threatening anyone. We will simply deal with our problems. We have our interests and we deal with them," Vučić told Serbian media, REL reports. 

The Ibar River, about 270 kilometers long, has its source in Montenegro, passes through the territory of Serbia, enters Kosovo with a length of 82 kilometers and then returns to Serbia. In its course, the Ujmani Lake dam, one of the most strategic assets of Kosovo, was built. For nearly 50 years, Ujmani has provided water supply for the population of seven municipalities for the thermal power plants in Obiliq and for irrigation.