Presevo – The installation of a wire fence has started on the border with Northern Macedonia near Presevo, which should prevent possible mass illegal border crossings.

Sciprim Arifi, the Mayor of Presevo, said for Radio Free Europe (RFE) that the construction of the wire fence was part of an agreement with the European Union (EU).

"We think that the fence is in the function of additional security of the borders of the countries outside the EU from refugees, which will eventually start again on a massive basis along the so-called Balkan route," Mr. Arifi said.

The decision of the Republican Directorate for Property, which was published in June on the website of the Ministry of Finance, a list of several dozen people and legal entities who own land along the border with Northern Macedonia, and whose temporary occupation was ordered by the Republic of Serbia, was published.

According to the document, all the mentioned plots are located in the village of Miratovac in the municipality of Presevo, and the Republic of Serbia is occupying them in order to protect the state border within the measures and borders determined by the Study for protecting the border with the Republic of Northern Macedonia. 

The explanation of the decision states, among other things, that the decision is in accordance with the Decree on measures during the state of emergency related to the prevention of the spread of the infectious disease COVID-19, especially for the purpose of preventing possible unauthorized mass border crossings.

The border between Serbia and Northern Macedonia is 147 kilometers long, but judging by the relief of the terrain, it is certain that the fence will not be placed along its entire length.

Serbia is on the so-called Balkan route, by which migrants and refugees are trying to reach EU countries.

Source: Bujanovac News and Coordination Body