Djuric meets with Diplomats from EU countries that do not recognize Kosovo regarding the arrest of Popović

Serbian Minister of Foreign Affairs Marko Djuric met today with diplomatic representatives of EU member states that do not recognize Kosovo to inform them about the latest move by the authorities in Pristina, who unjustifiably arrested the Deputy Director of the Office for Kosovo and Metohija, Igor Popović, due to the views he expressed during a memorial for Serbian victims in Orahovac.

Djuric thanked the Ambassador of Greece, Maria Levanti, the Ambassador of Cyprus, Andreas Photiou, the Ambassador of Romania, Silvia Davidoiu, the Chargé d'affaires of the Slovak Embassy, Katarína Konsvalová, and the diplomatic representative of the Embassy of Spain, Tamara García Alas, for respecting Serbia’s territorial integrity and sovereignty, and for their principled policy of upholding international law and the UN Charter. He outlined the events that preceded Popović’s arrest.

He informed them of the conditions under which Popović is currently being held and expressed serious concern about the potential consequences this situation could have on relations between Belgrade and Pristina, noting that a member of the Serbian Government’s negotiating team has been detained.

Djuric emphasized that this arrest is an act of political persecution and a violation of freedom of speech, as well as a continuation of a sustained cycle of repression. He added that it also sends a strong message intended to instill fear among the Serbian population, whose representative has been arrested.

He stressed that Serbia remains committed to dialogue, but actions like these by Pristina lead to destabilization on the ground and endanger the security of the entire region, especially at a time when stability is imperative.

Djuric called on the international community to react and stop the irresponsible policies of Albin Kurti’s regime, whose ultimate goal, he warned, is the expulsion of Serbs from Kosovo. Concrete action is needed, Djuric said, along with even greater support for the Serbian population in Kosovo.

As a reminder, five of the 27 EU member states do not recognize Kosovo: Spain, Greece, Romania, Slovakia, and Cyprus.