Djuric: There is a growing consensus in the US that Kurti's behavior is unacceptable

Marko Djuric, the Serbian Ambassador to Washington, stated in regards to the meeting of Belgrade and Pristina leaders in Brussels that there was a growing consensus in the United States that the behavior of Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti was unacceptable, as reported by RTV.

"An exceptionally reputable member of Congress from the Democratic Party, Eric Swalwell, issued a statement ahead of the round of talks in which he clearly condemned the violence against Serbs in Kosovo and called on the Pristina authorities to enable unimpeded Serbian participation in institutions," Djuric stated for Tanjug.

He noted that Pristina delegations had not been visiting Washington for quite some time.

"Kurti also disregards the fact that, for months, no high-ranking officials from Pristina have been received in Washington. I would like to draw our public's attention to the fact that, until the beginning of such behavior by Kurti, Washington was a common destination for Kosovo ministers, prime ministers, and presidents of temporary institutions," Djuric stated.

As long as the international community does not take more decisive measures toward Pristina, Djuric emphasized, there will be no progress.

"It's a fact that time is running out when it comes to events on the ground; Kurti's behavior is simply so irrational, destabilizing the entire region and diverting focus from priorities such as economic cooperation, development, and progress," Djuric explained.

Regarding the session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, Djuric stated that there was great interest in talks with Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic and added that delegations from 192 countries would attend the session.

"They are all vying for attention, for their place in the sun; however, in our case, we are fortunate that a series of moves and developments in our region and country have led to great interest in meetings with the President of Serbia and the Serbian delegation," Djuric emphasized.

He indicated that Serbia's regional initiatives and activities, like the Open Balkan, had attracted the attention of other countries, as well as the fact that Serbia had received more than 65 percent of foreign investments in the region.

"On the other hand, Serbia is a small country in terms of population and perhaps GDP, although it has doubled compared to ten years ago. However, it has a traditional political outlook that extends beyond the borders of Europe. Our friendships in Asia, Africa, and Latin America are something that positively sets us apart, making us a very interesting interlocutor compared to all others," Serbia's Ambassador to Washington stated.

As Djuric added, the broader international community knows that Serbia pursues an independent foreign policy.

"Serbia conducts an independent foreign policy; it is not a puppet of great powers. It independently and freely decides on trade, political, and all other issues, which makes us an actor on the international scene, perhaps more important than the mere number of square kilometers we have or the number of inhabitants," the Ambassador emphasized.

According to Djuric, Vucic's speech at the United Nations General Assembly will be closely followed, not only in our region but also globally.

"I would call on everyone to pay close attention because this programmatic speech actually represents, in a way, the definition of our international position during the period between the two sessions of the General Assembly," Djuric pointed out.

He added that the speech would address the position of the Serbian people in Kosovo as well as the universal principles that Serbia advocated for.

"Serbia can look in the eyes of all UN representatives, all representatives of states gathered in the General Assembly hall because we firmly adhere to our principles, we do not sell them for any interests, and since the founding of the UN, we have pursued a consistent policy whose continuity is present when it comes to Kosovo and Metohija," Djuric concluded.