Djuric: Barriers for Serbian goods still exist, it is Kurti's game

Serbian Foreign Minister Marko Djuric, commenting on the decision by the Government of Kosovo to partially lift the blockade on Serbian goods, says that it is good if Serbian goods can enter Kosovo, even through one crossing, however, the fact that they cannot pass through other crossings means that blockades still exist and that someone does not want to remove the barriers.

Appearing on the Morning Program on TV Prva, Djuric said that this is a philosophy that the regime of Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti is pushing under various pretexts.

“Behind this lies the intention to stifle the economy of the Serbian people, which is a fundamental prerequisite for their survival,” Djuric said, adding that this is not just about whether Serbs in, for example, North Mitrovica will be able to buy ‘Kravica’ milk, but whether shops will operate and whether raw materials will circulate on both sides of the crossing.

Djuric emphasizes that Kurti and his regime want to create impossible conditions for the Serbian people and that this decision was made under pressure from the international community, which is also a result of Serbian diplomatic efforts.

However, as the head of Serbian diplomacy says, Kurti is doing this in a limited way, meaning that those living in Lesak or North Mitrovica must travel 100 kilometers or more to access Serbian goods, and there is also the question of how long the checks at Merdare will last.

“I am skeptical about Kurti’s goodwill and think the international community needs to sanction him more strongly,” he said.

He adds that Kurti’s display of goodwill is just another of his games.

“Kurti will be Kurti, these are all games. What is important is how we respond to it. We are increasing investments in the Serbian people, conducting a diplomatic offensive on all continents, and one of the main topics is always the status of the Serbian people in Kosovo and Metohija. It is very important that the Government of Serbia is passing a law declaring Kosovo and Metohija a special area of social protection, which will provide additional financial support to the Serbian people, especially for those who have lost their jobs due to Kurti's actions,” Djuric said.

He adds that Serbian officials are building a consensus in the international community that Kurti’s behavior is unacceptable and points out that this is a long-term process with no instant solutions.

Nevertheless, he says, the good news is that Serbia as a state and nation has seriously organized itself, and the efforts made by the Serbian Government and President Aleksandar Vucic are already showing visible results with leading Western powers that traditionally support Kosovo's independence.

The head of Serbian diplomacy reminds that he spent eight years representing Serbian institutions in Kosovo, saying that for this reason, it is impossible for him to speak about Kosovo without feeling deeply emotional. When someone talks about how Kurti is setting up Albanian stores to promote multi-ethnicity, he knows that it is cynical and has nothing to do with that.

“Why don't we play the multi-ethnicity game in Pristina, Pec, in cities where Serbs have been completely expelled?” Djuric asked, adding that for the Serbian people, and for Serbia in every sense, it is important that Serbia succeeds economically, which is why it is very important that Serbia has received an investment rating.

A healthy economy is a prerequisite for achieving national interests

He stresses that a strong and healthy economy is the key prerequisite for achieving all national interests.

In this context, he adds that President Vucic and the Government of Serbia have made significant strides, such as strengthening the economy, defense systems, and the military – what he describes as the pillars of the state.

Speaking about Serbia's performance at the United Nations, Djuric reminds that Vucic delivered three outstanding speeches, noting that his speeches are increasingly gaining the attention of the international community.

"It is important that Serbia's voice is heard, that the truth about Kosovo and Metohija is heard and that it is recognized that Serbia has become a country of growth. This is important for changing the global narrative about Serbia," said the head of Serbian diplomacy.

He points out that his speech was well-received because people want to hear the truth directly, rather than propaganda that can be heard from various parts of the world every day.

"When we openly say that we are a small country but that we stand behind international law, and that its violation is hypocritical, it is a form of political courage," he noted.

Improving strategic Serbia-US relations 

When asked about the upcoming US elections on November 5, Djuric said that it is extremely important for Serbia to strategically improve its relations with the US.

"This is a complex task, which, given the history, is difficult, and it is not always popular to talk about it in Serbia. However, it is in Serbia's interest to strengthen our position there and gain new friends. That is why, for four years before I became minister, I dedicated myself to this effort, and we have made certain progress," he said.

Djuric adds that Serbia is carefully monitoring and awaiting the results of the US elections.

“The race is extremely uncertain. What is important for us is that we will work with any administration chosen by the American people and will strive to find more friends in both administrations. And we all know, without me having to say it, who most Serbs in America vote for and who they would like to see as the winner,” Djuric concluded.