German Embassy to Petkovic: Clean up in front of your own door first

The German Embassy in Pristina issued a statement noting that it has taken into account the recent letter from the Director of the Office for Kosovo and Metohija, Petar Petkovic, in which he calls on the European Union, its member states, and other interested parties to stop Pristina’s escalatory actions and the planned construction of two new bridges over the Ibar River.

The statement goes on to say: “The German Embassy has consistently stated in its responses to the media that it calls on the Government of Kosovo to refrain from escalatory moves, but that calls for de-escalation must apply equally to all parties.”

“It is certainly not the Government of Kosovo that is failing to implement legal measures against those responsible for the heinous attack in Banjska. The fact that the self-proclaimed leader of that attack, a Kosovo Serb and former vice president of the Serb List, Mr. Radoicic, publicly admitted responsibility and is still freely moving about Serbian territory deeply undermines efforts to foster trust and accountability in the region,” the statement continues.

The Embassy adds that one must put their own house in order before constantly criticizing Kosovo for its decisions.

“As we say in German – ‘Erstmal vor der eigenen Haustür kehren’ – Clean up in front of your own door first. Applied to the current situation, this proverb reminds us that one should put their own house in order before constantly reproaching Kosovo for its decisions. Inaction in prosecuting violent perpetrators is just as regrettable and counterproductive as any uncoordinated measures taken by Pristina,” the statement concludes.