Ranije u subotu, prvo krenuvši prema prijelazu Merdar/Merdare, Kurti je izjavio novinarima da prisustvo jakih policijskih snaga neće promijeniti njegove planove, ponovivši da je cilj protesta da se smanji uvoz srbijanske robe na Kosovo, a ne sloboda kretanja ljudi.
Earlier Saturday, as he first headed towards the Merdar/Merdare crossing, Kurti told reporters that the heavy police turnout would not change his plans, while reiterating that the protest is designed to hinder the flow of Serbian goods into Kosovo, not the freedom of movement of people.