Djuric meets Bocan-Kharchenko: Urgent release of Popovic is a primary goal

During a meeting with the Russian Ambassador to Serbia, Aleksandr Bocan-Kharchenko, Serbian Foreign Minister Marko Djuric emphasized that the arrest of Igor Popovic, Assistant Director of the Office for Kosovo and Metohija, constitutes political persecution and a continuation of a broader campaign of intimidation, humiliation, and pressure against the Serbian people in Kosovo. He underlined that the primary goal is to secure Popovic’s immediate release.

Djuric briefed Bocan-Kharchenko on the current developments in Kosovo and the importance that Belgrade places on Popovic’s role as Assistant Director of the Office for Kosovo and Metohija.

“The arrest of Igor Popovic not only represents a gross violation of basic human rights and a breach of legal procedures, but also political persecution and a continuation of a broader campaign of intimidation, humiliation, and pressure on the Serbian population in the province, particularly intensified over the past three years,” Minister Djuric stressed.

Explaining that Popovic, an official of the Republic of Serbia and a member of the Negotiating Team in the EU-facilitated dialogue, was detained solely because “Albin Kurti’s regime was disturbed by the truth spoken at a memorial event in Orahovac,” Djuric reminded that the statements made by Popovic at that event have also been confirmed internationally, including by United Nations Security Council Resolution 1160 (1998).

“The primary goal in this case is to ensure his urgent release and safe return home. Our competent authorities will undertake all possible political and legal measures against the responsible actors, while at the same time preserving peace and stability,” Djuric underscored.

The Serbian Foreign Minister once again expressed gratitude to the Russian Federation for its firm and principled stance on the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic of Serbia, its understanding of the difficult situation faced by Serbs in Kosovo, and its long-standing support for Serbia in international organizations.