Marko Kovačević Banned from Entering Kosovo, Reasons for the Decision Published

Kosovo authorities have denied entry to the Republic of Kosovo to the mayor of the Municipality of Nikšić in Montenegro, Marko Kovačević.

Sources from KosovaPress say that this decision is linked to his continued positions against Kosovo’s independence, as well as assessments that his presence could be used to spread political and propagandistic messages during the Vidovdan commemorations in Gazimestan.

According to the same sources, the entry ban was also supported by security assessments, with the aim of preventing actions that could incite tensions or harm public order during the activities planned for Vidovdan.

In the official justification for denying him entry to Kosovo, contained in the document that Kovačević himself published on social media, it is stated that he “is considered to pose a threat to public order, internal security, public health, or international relations.”

However, his party, the New Serbian Democracy (NSD), used this ban to spread disinformation regarding Kosovo’s institutions.

“The ban on Marko Kovačević entering Kosovo is proof of Pristina’s anti-Serb policy,” they claimed, while media in Montenegro reported on Kovačević being denied entry to Kosovo.

This reaction came despite the fact that Kovačević has opposed recognition of the state of Kosovo and in his public statements refers to the country as “Kosovo and M…”. He has also consistently supported Belgrade’s official position on Kosovo and has stated that Kosovo is part of Serbia.