Djuric with UN Security Council President on position of Serbs in Kosovo and importance of UNMIK

Serbian Foreign Minister Marko Djuric met with UN Security Council President and Permanent Representative of Greece to the United Nations Aglaya Balta, drawing her attention to the deteriorating position of Serbs in Kosovo and the need for consistent implementation of the commitments arising from the Belgrade-Pristina dialogue.

Djuric stressed that regular consideration of the Kosovo issue by the UN Security Council was essential for an objective and comprehensive assessment of the political and security situation on the ground, as well as for maintaining the international community’s focus on the numerous challenges facing the Serbian population, the Serbian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement.

He warned of the continued deterioration in the position of Serbs in Kosovo, citing unilateral actions by Pristina, the closure of Serbian institutions and impeded access to essential public services, which, he said, further deepened the atmosphere of insecurity and mistrust.

Djuric drew particular attention to the pressures faced by Serbs in northern Kosovo, as well as the need to ensure their personal and property security, freedom of movement and unhindered exercise of fundamental human rights.

“Consistent implementation of all commitments undertaken in the Belgrade-Pristina dialogue, including the establishment of the Community of Serb Municipalities, as an important mechanism for protecting the collective and individual rights of the Serbian people, is essential,” Djuric said.

In this context, he highlighted the irreplaceable importance of UNMIK’s presence, in accordance with UN Security Council Resolution 1244.

Djuric said that Serbia remained committed to preserving peace and stability and expected international actors to devote due attention to protecting the rights and security of the Serbian population in Kosovo and Metohija.