Djuric: The survival and security of Serbs in Kosovo is a red line

Serbian Foreign Minister Marko Djuric emphasized that North Mitrovica, as a city, not just the bridge on the Ibar River, is a bastion of the survival of the Serbian people in Kosovo and that it is the only truly multiethnic area, which is why it is also a target of the ethno-nationalism of Kosovo's Prime Minister Albin Kurti.

Djuric reminded on RTS that almost the entire Serbian population had been expelled from Kosovo 25 years ago, yet they had managed to survive and remain in North Mitrovica.

"Kurti, through his actions, wants to finish the job that was started 25 years ago. For us, it is crucial to explain to the entire international community that this is an organized campaign of ethnic violence against Serbs, aimed at preventing our people's existence," Djuric said.

As he added, the contrast between the actions of Belgrade and Pristina has never been greater.

"We are acting in support of our community, strengthening the rule of law, participating in dialogue, while they won’t even attend meetings," Djuric said, pointing out that Kurti had refused to attend the last meeting in Brussels.

Stating that Kosovo is already under restrictive measures because of Kurti, Djuric said he has the impression that Kurti will pay the price of his policies, one way or the other.

When asked what he meant by his statement that international organizations like KFOR and EULEX are expected to take more active measures on the ground, Djuric says that verbal condemnations are good, but that Belgrade must be sure that these organizations will carry out their mandate if "Kurti's regime attacks the Serbian people."

He emphasizes that in this context, they are sending a clear message that for Serbia, the survival and security of Serbs in Kosovo is a red line.

Commenting on Kurti's presence at the Democrats' convention in Chicago and the events organized by the NDI, Djuric says he was concerned when he saw that "a man who so blatantly violates the collective human rights of not only Serbs but also other communities in Kosovo is given the opportunity to use such a gathering for his political propaganda."

As he added, judging by the place Kurti occupied in the hall during the panel and the lack of official meetings with anyone, it is evident that he has little influence.

"But it sends a bad message that he is even there," Djuric said.

The Serbian Foreign Minister states that he expressed his concerns in a quality discussion and adds that the cooperation between Serbia and NDI, which is significant for Serbia, will continue in the future.

He says that he presented Serbia's views and position, explaining why Belgrade believes that Kurti's participation is inappropriate.

"I received assurances that, even though there are no official meetings, he will receive clear messages regarding his actions," Djuric added.

Commenting on the recent threats to Serbian consulates in Austria and Germany, Djuric said that terror and terrorism reflect powerlessness and awareness that the ground is slipping away, particularly in the part of the international community where they once enjoyed full support for the independent Kosovo project.

"And that is why there is a need to make threats. This will not intimidate us or stop us from acting, and every consulate, every embassy will be a small office for Kosovo and Metohija, which will testify to the terror against Serbs in Kosovo. We will fight equally for Serbs and all other citizens in Kosovo and Metohija. However, someone must be held accountable for this, and I don’t just mean those who make threats or, God forbid, organize such attacks, but also those whose policies enable it," Djuric said.

He also mentioned that the Serbian Embassy in Bern had received the same threats and stated that Serbian institutions – the Security Intelligence Agency and other relevant institutions – were in contact with institutions in those countries.

"But the very occurrence of such threats speaks to the nervousness of certain circles," the Serbian Foreign Minister said.

When asked if French President Emmanuel Macron will visit Belgrade at the beginning of September, Djuric said that Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic is in contact with many world leaders and that we will have a series of visits from major world leaders.