Embassies of France and Germany: The memorial plaque for fallen Serbian soldiers was moved at our initiative

The Embassies of France and Germany in Kosovo have announced today that, at their initiative, the memorial plaque dedicated to fallen Serbian soldiers from the Balkan Wars and World War I on the military Orthodox cemetery in Pristina had been moved to make room for a new plaque commemorating all the fallen soldiers between 1912 and 1918.

The statement notes that the French and German Ambassadors paid their respects together to their fallen soldiers on November 11 at the military cemetery.

"This day marks the end of World War I, and as Ambassadors Guerot and Rhode emphasized in their statements, the joint commemoration of our soldiers, who had once been enemies, carried a strong message of reconciliation. It is also French Veterans' Day, a day of remembrance for all our soldiers who lost their lives on duty. In recent years, and especially in 2022, this joint French-German ceremony has been marred by controversy in some Kosovo media due to the plaque paying tribute to Serbian soldiers who perished between 1912 and 1918. Serbia and France were allies during World War I", the statement reads.

They state that this controversy was unworthy of the memory of all soldiers, including French, German, and Serbian soldiers who died in World War I, as well as the 18 French soldiers who lost their lives while serving in KFOR to protect all communities in Kosovo.

A new memorial plaque has been placed to commemorate the sacrifice of all French soldiers in Kosovo on the initiative of the Embassy of France. Then, as the Embassies point out, the plaque in honor of Serbian soldiers was moved only a few meters with the utmost respect, after they notified the Municipality.

"This plaque remains fully visible in the same location, as anyone can see on the spot and in the attached image. The Embassies of France and Germany are disappointed that this gesture has been misinterpreted and given rise to political exploitation. The French Embassy has expressed concern and is in contact with the authorities. We will continue to pay tribute to all fallen soldiers during World War I", the Embassies state.