Djuric: Lifting EU restrictive measures may be interpreted by Kurti’s regime as a signal that what it is doing is acceptable

Serbian Foreign Minister Marko Djuric said today that he is concerned about the lifting of certain restrictive measures of the European Union against the regime of Albin Kurti, warning that this could be interpreted in Pristina as a signal that everything they are doing is acceptable.

Speaking on the program “Dan na dan,” Djuric said he does not understand what justifies such a move and how Kurti’s government has deserved it at a time when it is hardening its actions, especially while persecuting primarily Serbs, but also other minority communities.

He reminded that not only Serbs are victims of Kurti’s regime, but also Roma and Bosniaks, and that Pristina has a very poor relationship with the Gorani, whose only municipality, Gora, has even been abolished.

Djuric emphasized that the pressure of the international community is insufficient, since it is evident that Kurti’s regime continues its policies.

“The lifting of restrictive measures may be interpreted by Kurti’s regime as a signal that what it is doing is acceptable, especially when it announces that it will begin implementing the Law on Foreigners against Serbs, under which Serbs will become foreigners in their own homes,” Djuric pointed out.

The minister recalled that North Mitrovica hosts the only Serbian university, with 10,000 students, along with thousands of employees, and that 256 schools operate within the Serbian system, employing many people registered in central Serbia.

“We also have another problem. A significant number of Serbian babies are born each year in Kosovo and Metohija, but an even larger number of Serbian babies from Kosovo and Metohija are born in central Serbia, because pregnant women decide to go to Belgrade, Nis, and other cities to give birth. Now those children, under the ethno chauvinistic approach of Kurti’s regime, will be treated as foreigners, even though they live in Kosovo and Metohija and their parents live in Kosovo and Metohija,” Djuric stressed.

These are, he said, problems that are being deliberately created.

He emphasized that such a level of zeal is neither democratic nor European and that it must be opposed in the international arena.

He also stressed that he strongly opposes the military alliance of Croatia, Albania, and Kosovo.

Djuric said that Serbia cannot resolve anything in Kosovo without support and dialogue with the authorities in Washington.

For that reason, he said he would like to see greater understanding for Serbia’s position in Brussels as well, adding that the Director of the Office for Kosovo and Metohija, Petar Petkovic, is currently at the EU headquarters in that regard.

Speaking about his recent visit to the United States, Djuric said he had excellent talks at the White House, which were important for presenting Serbia’s position regarding Kosovo, as well as the Republic of Srpska.

“In the administration of President Donald Trump there is a different approach when it comes to many issues important to us,” the Serbian Foreign Minister underlined.

Djuric stressed that Serbian diplomacy is active and focused above all on Serbian interests and will not enter into global political confrontations or fight the battles of great powers.

“It was very wise what President Vucic did, which was to come out and say that our main goal in 2026 is national reconciliation, and that the key priorities are preserving peace and stability in the country and the region, as well as continuing economic development. We are doing well on both of these priorities,” he added.

Djuric also said he was extremely pleased to have had the opportunity over the past six months to meet individually or in another format three times with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, emphasizing that he was surprised by the fact that in August he was received at the State Department with honors, something that last happened 18 years ago.

“The President of Serbia and the Serbian leadership are perceived in a far more positive way than before. I am glad to see that Serbia is viewed as part of friendly countries. I think that is an opportunity for us,” the Serbian Foreign Minister said.

He also pointed out that President Vucic’s decision to invest in the military was wise, because it is now evident that this is the only possible way for small and medium-sized countries to survive.

He added that thanks to good relations with the United Arab Emirates, Serbia can also learn how to successfully defend itself against missile attacks.

“The Emirates managed to defend themselves with 96 percent efficiency. What they have done will enter textbooks. It is scandalous and unacceptable that far more missiles were launched at that peace loving country, which has not attacked anyone, than at all others combined. That speaks to an intention to spread terror, which we condemn,” Djuric underlined.