Djuric: The regime in Pristina boasts about not implementing the Brussels Agreement

Serbian Foreign Minister Marko Djuric stated that whether Serbs can participate in the elections in Kosovo on February 9 remains uncertain as long as the Kosovo authorities continue to violate their own Constitution and fail to provide minimal guarantees that the party winning the most votes among Serbs will be able to represent them in Kosovo institutions.

Djuric emphasized on RTS that during his recent trip to the US, he had alerted his counterparts about the numerous issues facing the Serbian community in Kosovo.

“It is tragic that the situation in Kosovo and Metohija is as it is, and it is my personal priority to shed light on the real situation on the ground there. All the principles of the international community, such as human rights, rule of law, freedom of the media, and economic freedoms, are trampled upon when it comes to the Serbian community in Kosovo. There is a strong need to address this at the UN, and it must be clear that such an entity as Kosovo should not be validated within the international community, especially given its massive human rights violations. I have identified Kurti as the main culprit,” Djuric stated.

He added that it remains unclear how Serbs will be able to participate in the elections in Kosovo on February 9.

“Elections are coming up in Kosovo and Metohija on February 9, and I am now asking how Serbs are supposed to participate if there are no minimal, basic guarantees that Kosovo’s Constitution will at least be upheld in the part that states that ‘the party that wins the most Serbian votes should represent Serbs in the institutions.’ This is not being respected; instead, Kurti is selecting who will represent the Serbs. Another issue is this: the Constitution mandates that ethnic representation in the police be proportional. But this is not the case, just look through Zubin Potok, Zvecan, and other areas,” the foreign minister emphasized.

Djuric also points out that the Kosovo regime is openly boasting about its refusal to honor the Brussels Agreement, establish the Community of Serb Municipalities, and fulfill other obligations.

“There is no reaction from the international community on this. However, there is a reaction when Serbia announces that it will implement the most comprehensive support package for Serbs in Kosovo through a law on special social protections for our people there, and that it will criminally prosecute those who endanger Serbs in Kosovo. My public appeal to them is this: ‘Don’t prioritize the so-called status, or your perspective on the status of Kosovo, over human rights, democratic freedoms, and the fundamental principles of liberty that you are supposed to uphold. Many in the international community use such issues as a precedent for other conflicts around the world,’” Djuric stressed.

Regarding the US elections taking place today, Djuric said he does not put much trust in opinion polls.

“I take polling data with a great deal of caution. The elections are highly uncertain, with a difference of just a few thousand votes. The Serbian community, especially in Milwaukee, has become important in US elections because they have organized themselves. They have become a significant factor, and we can see them in campaign offices. Everyone is looking at Trump and Harris, but there is something else here that is equally important, and that is the battle for the Senate and Congress. These two bodies play an equally important role in shaping American foreign policy, and there is a strong likelihood that Republicans could gain an edge. Regarding the overall vote count, it seems that for now, Vice President Harris might have more votes, but that doesn’t necessarily mean she will win the election. For us, it is crucial to improve relations with the US, and we soon hope to initiate a strategic dialogue with America.”

Djuric was also asked about the tragedy in Novi Sad, to which he responded that Serbian society is facing a historical test.

“It is up to our institutions to determine criminal and material responsibility for the events in Novi Sad. Political accountability has already been acknowledged with the resignation of Minister Goran Vesic, which I consider an honorable act and that is necessary. This is a new development in Serbian politics, with Goran Vesic setting a significant precedent by taking moral responsibility. This won’t be the end, judicial authorities are reviewing criminal responsibility,” Djuric stated.

He added that he was moved by the solidarity and support Serbia had received from over 100 countries worldwide. When asked to comment on reactions from Croatia, he said that he strives to improve relations in the region, even though this may not be particularly popular.

“For us, it is vitally important to have a free flow of goods and capital in the region. However, I felt the need to speak out when I saw that certain political factions in Croatia were attempting to exploit our tragedy in Novi Sad for political gain. It’s unfortunate that these political circles don’t know the bounds or limits. However, I must say that we are in ongoing dialogue with Croatian authorities, who have expressed their condolences, and we will continue to call out inappropriate comments from certain circles. Even calls for the assassination of our president on Croatian state radio have gone unaddressed by their authorities,” Djuric said.