Morina: Changing the Course of the Iber Would Be Unthinkable

Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić’s warnings regarding Kosovo’s waters and the possibility of intervening in river flows have been analyzed by hydrotechnical engineer Mumin Morina.

Morina explained that, from a technical standpoint, a state may build hydrotechnical structures within its territory that affect the flow of a river. However, he said that under present circumstances, such an action would be difficult and unacceptable because of international conventions and norms.

“From an engineering and technical standpoint, such an intervention is possible. Hydrotechnical structures serving various purposes can be built within a riverbed and on a state’s territory. However, given the current situation, it is unthinkable that this could happen,” Morina said.

He emphasized that the use and management of transboundary waters are now regulated by numerous international conventions.

According to Morina, rivers have their sources and flow according to gravity, so they cannot be arbitrarily restricted. Any intervention through hydrotechnical structures, he said, must be carried out with due consideration for the consequences it may cause.

Referring to Lake Ujman, the engineer recalled that the reservoir project was designed during the former Yugoslavia, while its construction was preceded by numerous technical analyses.

“Many analyses were conducted for the construction of Ujman. The project originated during the Yugoslav period and was not intended to be used in such a way or to cause consequences for another state,” Morina said.

He stressed that any project that could change the direction of water flows or endanger the flow of water toward a neighboring state must comply with international conventions and also receive the neighboring country’s approval.

“Any structure that diverts or endangers the flow of water toward a neighboring state must comply with international conventions, but it also requires the neighboring state’s permission,” he said.

Morina added that implementing such an initiative cannot be based solely on a feasibility study. According to him, other assessments are also essential, including environmental impact studies.

“A feasibility study alone is not enough if there are no environmental impact studies. These matters are subject to restrictions, regardless of the power a state may wield,” Morina concluded.