Maliqi: Kosovo Serbs in a similar position as Albanians during Milosevic's era

Kosovo Serbs are now in almost the same position as Albanians were during Slobodan Milosevic's era, publicist Shkelzen Maliqi emphasizes.

In an interview with Nedeljnik, Maliqi assessed that without full and sincere cooperation between the Kosovan and Serbian authorities, it is impossible to guarantee security and prosperity for Kosovo's Serbs.

"The biggest mistake Vucic made was hastily forcing the Serbs to withdraw from Kosovo’s system structures, where they were still a factor. Decisions could not be made without them in addressing practical issues on the ground," he said, as reported by Beta news agency.

According to him, Serbs are now left in a void where the only reliable guarantee is the presence of KFOR.

However, he added, KFOR is a military, not a police force, and it intervenes only in extremely dangerous situations, which extremists have exploited when barricades were set up.

"Kosovo Serbs are almost in the same position as we Albanians were in the 1990s when Milosevic imposed an apartheid system. On the ground, there was only the Serbian police and paramilitary groups, while we were protected by foreign diplomatic missions," he pointed out.

Maliqi stated that Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti portrays himself as a firm and principled politician who does not yield to Western pressure.

"His game is similar to Vucic's, populist in nature. His domestic policy is disastrous. He tries to tailor all power and laws to the interests of his party, just like Vucic. He boosts his popularity among segments of society that harbor vengeful sentiments toward Belgrade and local Serbs," he emphasized.