Djuric: Belgrade-Pristina dialogue in a coma; lifting the measures would be an invitation for Kurti's new unilateral moves

The dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina is in a coma, and this has nothing to do with Miroslav Lajcak but rather with the fact that many countries – which should be using their influence to prevent the ethno-nationalist rampage of Albin Kurti's regime – are not exercising their authority, Foreign Minister Marko Djuric stated on RTS.

"In some cases, it gets much worse, as the previously proclaimed goal of creating a democratic and multi-ethnic society in Kosovo and Metohija is being replaced with other geopolitical objectives, prioritizing the consolidation of what we see as the false statehood of Kosovo. Our priority is to support the survival of our people in Kosovo and Metohija. Our people need to be patient, wise, and aware that their persistence in staying on their land greatly depends on maintaining our national interests, and the state of Serbia will strive to help them in this," the minister emphasized.

He also commented on the recent arrest of a Serb in Leposavic, stating that this occurred despite written guarantees from the US and EU that no one who had participated in protests and barricades would be prosecuted.

"The number of political prisoners is increasing because, for us, they are political prisoners. I expect and hope for a public and clear reaction from the US and EU in Kosovo and Metohija because additional arrests represent a slap in their face as well and do not contribute to stability on the ground, along with accusations against bank employees of contributing to terrorism and banning the entry of the Office for Kosovo and Metohija Director Petar Petkovic into Kosovo, which they are deliberately doing to maintain a bad climate," Djuric emphasized.

Regarding the Community of Serb Municipalities, he stresses that Serbia will not give up the fight to protect its interests.

"In the coming months, we will conduct an intensive diplomatic campaign in European capitals, advocating to win over as many people as possible to our side. The new European Parliament has been constituted, things are changing in Europe, and next year could be a year in which the situation will be more favorable. It is important that our people remain firm in their homes because everything depends on their courage," the Serbian diplomat highlighted.

In this context, he mentioned that tomorrow he will have a meeting in Austria with several EU ministers and the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell.

"Already on Monday, I will speak at the EU Foreign Ministers' meeting, which is a phenomenal opportunity for Serbia, which is not a member, to sit at that table and equally present its concerns, worries, and problems, as well as its vision for the future of the region," he stated.

When asked about Borrell's announcement of lifting sanctions on Kosovo, he emphasized that it is "Serbia's duty to knock on their doors and explain all the actions that Kurti's regime has taken."

"Lifting the measures, which are too mild and insufficient to mitigate Kurti's behavior, would be an invitation for new unilateral moves by Kurti. These actions destabilize the region and work against the interests of the countries now considering withdrawing these measures. I cannot comment on internal European Union documents that have not been disclosed. But I can say that I will have a serious conversation with him about the situation in Kosovo and Metohija and that nothing will be swept under the rug. I believe that this decision was already discussed yesterday, but we do not yet know when they will officially decide on these measures," Djuric said.

The minister also shared his view on the incident that occurred yesterday during the Albania-Croatia match at the European Championship in Munich when fans chanted "Kill the Serb."

"I won't pretend to be a general expert and say I understand football too much, but for me, UEFA has been highly politicized since it admitted Pristina into its ranks, and I hope their behavior will awaken an additional desire for struggle among our guys. The 'Kill the Serb' message speaks to the bad climate created by some politicians in the region and Kurti's ethno-nationalist regime," Djuric said.