Djuric discusses Popovic's arrest with Guterres: An attempt to intimidate Serbs and undermine dialogue

Serbian Foreign Minister Marko Djuric spoke with United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, during which he expressed Serbia’s deep concern over the arrest of Igor Popovic, a member of Belgrade’s negotiating team, as well as the frequent cases of harassment and detention of Serbs in Kosovo and Metohija.

Djuric stated that such actions represent a dangerous attempt to intimidate the Serbian community and to undermine the dialogue.

During the phone call, the Serbian foreign minister emphasized that Serbia expects a clear and principled engagement from international actors, particularly the UN Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK), whose presence, as he noted, remains crucial for the protection of the rights and safety of the Serbian people on the ground.

The Minister also conveyed that Serbia will remain a reliable partner to the United Nations and a part of the solution for preserving peace and stability, in accordance with the UN Charter, which he stressed remains the foundation of international law and a guarantor of equality among states.

“Respect for this framework is the only path to preserving stability in our region and in the world,” Djuric concluded.