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Pristina Bans Serbian President Nikolic's Christmas Visit


Serbian President Tomislav Nikolic
Serbian President Tomislav Nikolic
Kosovo's Deputy Prime Minister Hajredin Kuci says Pristina has banned Serbian President Tomislav Nikolic from visiting ethnic Serbs in Kosovo for Orthodox Christmas.

Kosovo media quoted Kuci as saying Nikolic will only be allowed to visit once Belgrade allows Pristina officials to visit ethnic Albanians in southern Serbia's Presevo Valley.

On January 4, Nikolic blasted the EU law-enforcing mission in Kosovo, EULEX, for not responding to his request for a Christmas Eve visit to Gracanica monastery in Kosovo.

Serbs celebrate Christmas on January 7.

A EULEX spokeswoman told RFE/RL that the mission was not in a position to either approve or ban visits to Kosovo.

Kosovo declared independence five years ago.

It has been recognized by key Western powers but Belgrade continues to reject its secession.
With reporting by dpa and B92

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