Authorities in Kosovo shut down five branches of the Postal Saving Bank of Serbia and one of the National Bank of Serbia that were operating in four northern Kosovar municipalities. Authorities said the branches in North Mitrovica, Zvecan, Zubin Potok, and Leposavic were operating illegally. The institutions were used by ethnic Serbs to receive salaries from Serbia and conducted payments in Serbian dinars, authorities said. The Serbian dinar was banned by Kosovo at the beginning of the year. Officials in Serbia condemned the action. Serbia and Kosovo, a former province of Serbia before declaring independence, are bitterly divided over a number of issues, especially in the northeast near their border. To read the original story by RFE/RL's Balkan Service, click here.
Kosovo Shuts Branches Of Serbian Banks Over Currency Dispute
Kosovar police shut down a branch office of the Postal Saving Bank of Serbia in Zvecan on May 20.