Gudzic: Serbs in Kosovo under repression, Albanians disappointed

Historian from Gracanica Aleksandar Gudzic, marking the 18th anniversary of Kosovo’s declaration of independence, stated that the position of Serbs has not changed, that their number in Kosovo is decreasing, and that they are exposed to constant political and institutional repression. On the other hand, he points out, the expectations of Kosovo Albanians have not been fulfilled, which has led to their emigration in recent years, RTS reports.

Gudzic indicated that the position of Serbs has not significantly improved since 2008, when Kosovo declared independence.

“Serbs do not feel that they are welcome in Kosovo society. Although, in theory, there are European laws that guarantee their rights, in practice they are not implemented, and the number of Serbs in Kosovo and Metohija is decreasing,” Gudzic told RTS.

According to him, Kosovo Albanians expected to gain full independence, but that did not happen.

“Their expectations have been disappointed, which has led to mass emigration. Several hundred thousand Albanians have left Kosovo in the past ten years. Research by international organizations has shown that 70 percent of young Albanians want to leave,” the historian adds.

Gudzic emphasizes that Kosovo’s declaration of independence deeply divided society, in which Serbs do not trust the good intentions of Kosovo institutions, while Kosovo Albanians consider them a “fifth column” acting against Kosovo’s statehood, which, he says, is not true.

Speaking about new legal regulations, such as the Law on Foreigners and vehicles, Gudzic stresses that it will affect Serbs in Kosovo the most, and that the provisional institutions in Pristina and the international community must show greater interest in the Serbian community.

“The implementation of these regulations may lead to the trampling of Serbian institutions, healthcare and education, and in the future to the closure of jobs and further emigration of Serbs,” Gudzic points out.

Gudzic also reminds that political elites in Pristina apply laws only when it suits them, while European regulations they do not accept remain unimplemented.

“There is a forceful pushing of Serbian institutions into the Kosovo system and a demonstration of political power,” Gudzic adds.

In his opinion, Western countries that supported Kosovo’s independence have tolerated legal violence by Kosovo’s political elites.

“I expect that Western countries will continue to support Kosovo Albanians in their aspiration toward independence,” Aleksandar Gudzic concludes.