Elek: Unilateral actions by Kurti's regime threaten our right to life

President of the Serb List, Zlatan Elek, stated at a press conference today that the unilateral actions carried out by Kurti’s regime in northern Kosovo are in violation of all legal norms.

“Since yesterday, Kurti’s regime has launched incursions into the ‘Vodovod’ public utility company and the water pumping station in Suvi Do, which are responsible for the water supply of North Mitrovica, the municipality of Kosovska Mitrovica, and Zvecan. These intrusions don’t just affect the civilian population, including the Clinical-Hospital Center in Mitrovica where many patients are being treated, but also jeopardize the operation of schools, health centers, and student dormitories,” Elek said.

He emphasized that Serb List representatives are in contact with international institutions.

“We expected a reaction, but none came. Even today, we maintain direct communication with all institutions that have been targeted by Kosovo police raids. Unfortunately, in the 21st century, the right to life is under threat—because without water, life cannot function normally. The state is standing by the workers and all those who were forcibly removed from their workplaces. Everyone will continue to receive their full salaries and benefits. They are eager to return to work—these are people who have been doing their jobs for over 20 years. We have informed KFOR, UNMIK, EULEX, and all relevant international institutions. Meetings with the Quint and U.S. Embassy representatives are planned to address this issue,” Elek said.

He added: “We believe that everything can be resolved through dialogue. But unfortunately, there is no one to talk to on the other side, because Pristina rejects dialogue and acts unilaterally. I call on the Quint embassies to help us find a solution that would be acceptable and in the interest of the Serbian community—especially in the north of Kosovo and Metohija.”

When asked about statements claiming that water supply would remain regular, Elek responded that guarantees can only be trusted if they come from the director of Vodovod, Mr. Vucinic, because the Albanians lack the capacity to manage the system properly.

Mr. Simic remarked that Kosovska Mitrovica used to be a unified city, and no one could have imagined it being divided.

“Vodovod Ibar has always provided water to both Albanians and Serbs. No one has ever had their water cut off based on ethnicity. On the other hand, the director of the Albanian water utility has regularly cut off water to Serbs, often before major holidays. That’s why we fear it may happen again. This is a very complex system, and they don’t have the capacity to manage it. Albanian mayors have been in charge of northern municipalities for nearly three years, and they have done nothing to benefit the Serbian population—only to their detriment. The harder it is for Serbs, the easier it is for them to achieve their goals. We need to find a solution, but Albanians lack both the willingness and the capacity to manage our water system,” he said.

He also pointed out that there was no justification for denying public utility employees their right to work in such a sudden manner.

“Vodovod distanced itself from today’s raid, as the order came from Pristina. We want to know who issued that order,” Simic said.

Elek noted that he has held numerous meetings with representatives of the international community in recent times.

“If the Community of Serb-majority Municipalities (CSM), which the Serb List insists on, had been established, we certainly wouldn’t be in this situation. These institutions would function through the CSM. In our recent talks with the Quint and the U.S., we also discussed the Clinical-Hospital Center. We’ve seen what the international community has done—or rather, hasn’t done. There is no real multiethnicity as once envisioned. Over 250,000 Serbs have been expelled, and only a few have returned. We call on the international community to act, not just express regret over the situation,” Elek said.

Simic added that following the raids, many are questioning whether these actions are a message to the international community ahead of the visit of European Council President António Costa to Pristina.

“We expect Mr. Costa to ask how and from where Serbs will get water, and how long they’ll have to travel 60 kilometers outside their residence just to receive pensions or salaries. That’s why we are urging the international community to respond and enable a resolution of this problem,” Simic concluded.

Over the past two days, members of the Kosovo Police have raided the premises of the public utility company “Vodovod Ibar” in North Mitrovica, as well as the building housing the Institution for Sports, Youth, and Specialized Services.

Both “Vodovod Ibar” and the Institution for Sports, Youth, and Specialized Services operate within the Serbian institutional system.