Elek: Our strongest weapon against the persecution of Serbs – unity and solidarity

The President of the Serb List, Zlatan Elek, stated this morning, ahead of the beginning of signature collection for a petition against the construction of two new bridges on the Ibar River, that the petition will reflect a clear and united stance of the Serbian people, rejecting unilaterally made decisions on projects that harm the Serbian community. The message, he says, is clear – the construction of the bridge will not be allowed, and if the international community does not respond, it will be complicit in the persecution and exodus of Serbs from Kosovo.

“It is important that we support the petition, that we show we are against imposed decisions, that we have a unified position,” Elek told RTS.

He stated that the petition will be available for signing today and over the next two days in front of the Serb List headquarters on the promenade, starting at 9 a.m.

“The petition will be presented to the international community. The most important thing is to send a message of unity, because unity and solidarity are the strongest weapons against persecution. It is vital to demonstrate our determination to survive and remain in Kosovo and Metohija,” Elek said.

He reported that representatives of the Serb List had held intensive talks on the matter with the international community, from which they expect concrete action, condemnation of Pristina’s unilateral measures, and protection of both the collective and individual rights of Serbs.

“The message from the international community must be clear – the construction of the bridge will not be allowed. Otherwise, if it does not react, the international community will be complicit in the persecution and exodus of Serbs from Kosovo and Metohija,” Elek emphasized.

He reiterated that the construction of the two bridges on the Ibar is yet another attempt to drive out the Serbian people from Kosovo, as these are bridges of division, not unity, as claimed in Pristina.

He also pointed out that near the main bridge, which is currently not in use for passenger and cargo traffic, there are already three functional bridges for passenger, freight, and pedestrian traffic.

Therefore, he believes the construction of new bridges is unnecessary and is being carried out against the will and without the consent of the Serbian community.

“This bridge, currently under construction, is absolutely to the detriment of the Serbian community, which makes up 95 percent of the population in northern Kosovo,” Elek stressed.

He added that Serbs have never been consulted in such matters, including this case, because it is to be expected that the Albanian community will not consult Serbs when taking actions against their interests.

“This is just such a case. It has nothing to do with ethnic standards or norms. No legal acts or procedures have been respected. In no democratic society are projects implemented against the will of the majority community, as is the case with the construction of these two bridges,” Elek said.

He added that the security situation in northern Kosovo is unstable.

“Arrests, threats, interrogations are our daily reality. Despite Pristina’s repression, we remain determined to stay and fight peacefully and democratically for all our rights,” Elek concluded.