Petkovic: In Brussels, we will insist on the CSM

The Director of the Office for Kosovo and Metohija, Petar Petkovic, stated that Serbia would insist on the establishment of the Community of Serb Municipalities during today’s round of dialogue in Brussels.

Before the start of the meeting in Brussels, Petkovic told Blic that it remained uncertain whether a trilateral meeting would occur, even though the Pristina side and their chief negotiator, Besnik Bislimi, had confirmed their attendance.

The continuation of the dialogue with Pristina is scheduled for today. How much will it be affected by the explosion at the infrastructure site in Zubin Potok?

Our policy is to participate in the dialogue because dialogue is the only venue for resolving the Kosovo-Metohija issue and seeking solutions. For us, compromise is a positive word. Unfortunately, it is a forbidden word in Pristina. As always, we are approaching Brussels with experts, arguments, and preparation. Do I expect anything from the talks in Brussels? Honestly, after all my experience, I can say that while there is political will on our side to resolve issues, on Pristina’s side, such will is non-existent. Not only is there no political will, but Mr. Bislimi often refuses to meet with me directly and engage in discussion. Once again, I will insist on a trilateral meeting and demand that Mr. Bislimi provide concrete evidence for the accusations he has made against Belgrade. I assure you that no such evidence exists, only political accusations. And believe me, we will not let Bislimi, Svecla, or Kurti evade this matter, as they falsely accused Belgrade, even though Belgrade has nothing to do with the explosion at the Ibar-Lepenac canal.

The Serb List has announced its participation in elections in Kosovo. How important is it for Serbian representatives to be involved in political processes, especially after recent events in the Pristina parliament?

I welcome the Serb List's decision to participate in the upcoming elections. Any decision the Serb List makes will have Belgrade’s full support. Our position is that they are best positioned on the ground to assess the situation and determine the right course of action. Of course, we are here to support and assist, just as we have in the past. Full support for the Serb List will continue. Ultimately, everything that has happened in recent weeks, months, and years under Kurti's regime of terror has only further strengthened and encouraged the Serbian people and the Serb List.

How might the change in the US administration affect the dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina?

One thing is certain: we will work with the American side and the new administration. It is important for our voice to be heard and understood. We are not naive, we know that the foreign policy of the United States and major powers is difficult to change, and they won’t give up on an independent Kosovo and their goal. However, there is a chance to find an angle from which to move toward implementing agreements reached even 12 years ago, particularly regarding the formation of the Community of Serb Municipalities. That is something we will insist on, it is an obligation for Pristina, and I hope there will be a willingness and understanding for this both in Washington and Brussels.

Do you expect a revival of the Washington Agreement?

During President Trump’s first term, we had the Washington Agreement. However, it largely remained just words on paper due to changes in both the US administration and the government in Pristina. As you know, Kurti completely rejected the agreement. For anything to be fully implemented, the other party, in this case, Pristina, must cooperate, and so far, they have refused to do so.