December 20 (SeeNews) - Serbia has suffered a direct damage of 34.6 million euro ($39.7 million) since Kosovo increased its import tariffs on all goods produced in Serbia and Bosnia to 100%, Serbian trade minister Rasim Ljajic said on Thursday.
"This is huge direct damage, not to mention the indirect damage caused by the campaign in Kosovo against goods and products made in Serbia," Ljajic said in an interview broadcast live by Serbian public broadcaster RTS.
The Serbian government will ensure the supply of medicines and convenience goods to the Serbs living in northern Kosovo, Ljajic added.
On November 21, Kosovo government said it has decided to increase the import tax on all goods produced in Serbia and Bosnia to 100% from 10% set earlier that month in order to protect Kosovo’s sovereignty and interests.
Kosovo, considered to be a potential candidate for EU membership by the European Commission, unilaterally declared independence from Serbia in 2008 and has so far has been recognised by more than half of the 193 UN member states. Belgrade does not recognise the independence of Kosovo.
($ = 0.871286 euro)