U.S., EU Urge Kosovo To Postpone Decision On Banning Serbian Dinar

Five Western countries, including the United States, have urged Pristina to postpone a decision by Kosovo's Central Bank to restrict all cash transactions anywhere in the country to euros from February 1. In a statement, the countries, including France, Germany, Italy, and Britain, said suspension of the decision should be made to "allow for a sufficient period of transition and for clear and effective public communication." For two decades, encouraged by Belgrade and reluctantly ignored by Pristina, residents in 10 heavily ethnic Serbian municipalities have clung to the Serbian currency, the dinar. To read the original story by RFE/RL's Balkan Service, click here.