Djuric to NDI: Invitation to Kurti is a platform for further destabilization of the Balkans

Serbia's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Marko Djuric, addressed a letter to the National Democratic Institute (NDI) regarding Albin Kurti's participation in the 2024 Democratic National Convention (DNC). In the letter, Djuric expressed deep concern and disappointment that someone widely recognized as a violator of human rights and fundamental democratic values, who has repeatedly engaged in practices undermining U.S. interests and presence in the Western Balkans, is being given a platform to promote his dangerous policies and ethno-nationalistic agenda.

"Let me remind you that these destabilizing activities, including repeatedly walking away from the dialogue process between Belgrade and Pristina and refusing to align with Washington, have been strongly condemned by senior officials and representatives in both the U.S. and the EU," states the letter addressed to DNC President Tamara Cofman Wittes, which Kosovo Online has reviewed.

Kurti has been invited as a panelist at a side event titled "DNC Convention and the Role of Political Parties." Djuric warns that the invitation to participate in this event as a speaker creates a public and political platform, enabling him to further destabilize the Balkan region by spreading disinformation, fabricated information, and alternative truths against the Republic of Serbia.

"What is even more concerning is the fact that Albin Kurti, despite consistently undermining U.S. policy in the Western Balkans and proving to be an unreliable American partner, appears to be using the DNC as a podium to launch his election campaign, exploiting it for the interests of his party," Serbia's foreign minister stated.

He concluded by emphasizing that Europe and the Balkans are "at a critical crossroads" and expressed readiness to work together to preserve fundamental European and democratic values, as well as peace and stability in the region.

"To achieve this, it is crucial to refrain from investing in political interlocutors who have proven themselves to be peace-breakers and constantly opposing Washington's efforts to bring prosperity to the region, such as Albin Kurti," Djuric noted.