Djuric: Normalization of relations between Belgrade and Pristina impossible with Kurti in power

Serbia's Foreign Minister, Marko Djuric, stated in an interview with Blic TV that as long as Albin Kurti is in power, normalization of relations between Belgrade and Pristina cannot be achieved. Djuric points out that the international community must demonstrate the credibility of its claims about wanting to preserve the multi-ethnic and democratic character of society in Kosovo.

"It seems we are galloping backwards since October 2021. Since Kurti's regime took responsibility for the situation in the province, we have witnessed a dizzying plummet in all institutions. And it seems that the problem is not only with Kurti, to be honest," said Djuric.

He indicates that part of the international community, due to geopolitical circumstances, problems in Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and massive turbulences worldwide, has begun to prioritize strengthening the so-called independence of Kosovo over respecting the collective, human, economic, and political rights of all communities, Serbian and other non-Albanian, in Kosovo.

"Their great hypocrisy is apparent. For us, it is most important to continue our fight," Djuric declared.

He added, despite the international community having created so-called independent Kosovo initially with the main narrative of respecting the rights of all communities living there and creating a liberal, democratic state modeled on Western societies and the like.

"Now, suddenly, this has fallen by the wayside, and suddenly, no matter what kind of person Kurti is, they support him because they believe it is in their geopolitical interest. And here, the great hypocrisy of part of the international community is visible. However, we have no right to lament and moan about this," says Djuric.

It is of utmost importance, Djuric notes, for the international community to demonstrate the credibility of their claims about wanting to preserve the multi-ethnic and democratic character of society in Kosovo by immediately stopping the persecution of the Serbian people.

"And this is reflected in the ban on payments of child allowances, pensions, salaries, basic income for Serbian institutions in Kosovo and Metohija, in preventing the one-year entry of Serbian goods into Kosovo and Metohija, in the dozens arrested," he said.

The head of Serbian diplomacy says there is an intention for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to be tasked with providing additional support to the Serbian negotiation team and that practically every Serbian embassy becomes in that realm a "mini-office for Kosovo and Metohija."

"If nothing else, in terms of providing information and lobbying for Serbian interests," says Djuric.

He also emphasizes that Serbia must do everything it can to help Serbs in Kosovo.

"The state has never allocated more for various forms of assistance, but we must also use all legal, diplomatic, and available means to protect our people," Djuric noted.

Speaking about his first ministerial actions, Djuric announces that Serbia will continue to invest in its diplomatic network, in the knowledge of its experts in the field of international relations, international politics, as well as in enhancing capacities.

"Now we want to give a new impulse and new energy, of course, I as every new minister want to improve many things. I have a lot of enthusiasm because I believe we need to strengthen our analytical capabilities, we need to bring a large number of people on a meritocratic basis who will be advocates and representatives of Serbia's interests. Here I see an opportunity for young, talented and not only young but capable people who speak multiple languages, have diverse skills to strengthen the ranks of Serbian diplomacy, because the challenges Serbia faces are challenges that no other country in the region faces," said Djuric.