Jovanovic: Diplomacy has borne fruit; this solution protects the Serbian people and institutions

Historian Luka Jovanovic stated that Serbia’s broad diplomatic activity has borne fruit and that the solution reached regarding the Law on Foreigners provides protection for the Serbian population and institutions in Kosovo.

“March has once again brought anxiety and fear to Serbs in Kosovo and Metohija, but now we are also seeing relief in the news we heard from the EU Special Envoy for the dialogue, Peter Sorensen, which are reassuring and contribute to improving the situation of the Serbian population,” Jovanovic told Kosovo Online.

He emphasized that the achieved solution should be viewed from two perspectives.

“The first is the relationship between Belgrade and the EU, and the second between Brussels and Pristina. In recent weeks there has been extensive diplomatic activity by representatives of Serbia toward the EU, as well as toward the main mediator and implementer of all decisions in Kosovo and Metohija. Such broad diplomatic engagement has proven effective and has borne fruit. On the other hand, international representatives presented this to Kurti as the only and mandatory solution,” Jovanovic said.

He pointed out that for Albin Kurti the most important thing was to prevent any solution from being reached.

“This solution is positive and works in favor of the Serbian population. It enables schools, the University—which is the main pillar, alongside the Clinical Hospital Center in Kosovska Mitrovica—and Serbian healthcare to function without interruption. Although there is a certain procedure explained by the Director of the Office for Kosovo and Metohija, Petar Petkovic, and MP Igor Simic, which may cause concern among the Serbian population, we have seen that data protection is guaranteed and that there will be no information required beyond what we already provide at administrative crossings,” Jovanovic explained.

He pointed out that it is important that there are no administrative obstacles for the population.

“This shows that Serbian diplomacy paid attention to every technical detail of the solution and was focused on protecting the Serbian population and institutions. We have also seen that in Sorensen we may have a partner and can expect understanding from him,” Jovanovic added.