The Smokovac loop will be constructed and we will discuss whether it is an integral part of the current contract with Chinese CRBC or not, PM Dusko Markovic said appearing as a guest on the Radio Montenegro’s Odgovoran Odgovor (Responsible Response) show.
“There is no highway without the loop, so that it will be constructed no matter what. It is indisputable that the project design of the loop has been agreed, but there are various interpretations of whether the contract stipulates that CRBC shall construct it. The CRBC believes there is no obligation, we think there is. The Ministry of Transport has formed a commission that has begun a dialogue with CRBC representatives. We have excellent cooperation with them and our positions in the talks are getting closer,” PM said.
If the CRBC insists that it is not their obligation, there is an international commission for negotiations, Markovic said.
“If it does not provide a solution either, we will go to arbitration, although I expect making an agreement with CRBC. If we do not agree, it will be a waste of time, but not a threat to the project,” Markovic said, adding that there are assumptions that after the completion of the priority section, the works on the Matesevo-Andrijevica and Andrijevica-Berane sections will be continued.
As he called to mind, Serbia is getting closer with highway construction from its side.
