French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs: We hope for the swift release of Igor Popovic

The Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs of France issued a statement today expressing hope for the prompt release of Igor Popovic, Deputy Director of the Office for Kosovo and Metohija, who is currently being held in detention in Gnjilane.

“France reiterates its support for the European-facilitated dialogue aimed at normalizing relations between Serbia and Kosovo. This requires that negotiators and their teams be able to move freely and safely in both territories. France hopes for the swift release of the Serbian deputy negotiator, Igor Popovic,” the Ministry stated.

France also called on both parties to refrain from any unilateral actions that could jeopardize the continuation of the dialogue and welcomed the efforts of the EU Special Representative in this regard.

A day earlier, the French Embassy in Pristina told Kosovo Online that they were “closely following the case of Igor Popovic” and expected the matter to be addressed with full respect for the rule of law and legal procedures.

“We call for the continuation of the EU-facilitated dialogue and strongly urge both sides to refrain from any initiative that would not serve this objective,” the Embassy stated.

Popovic was arrested on Friday at the Brnjak crossing, due to remarks he made about the KLA during a memorial event for Serbian victims in Orahovac, and was subsequently placed in 30-day pre-trial detention.