Mijacic: Constant police, political, and economic pressure on the Serbian community in the north

Dragisa Mijacic, the Coordinator of the National Convention on the EU for Chapter 35, announced that despite more than 160 intellectuals from the Serbian community in Kosovo signing an appeal for peace to the EU and the Quint ambassadors, the situation in northern Kosovo remained dire.

Mijacic emphasizes that the peace appeal was sent on June 3 of this year, urging the EU and the Quint ambassadors to take measures to preserve peace.

"With deep concern about the situation in the northern municipalities, over 160 intellectuals from the Serbian community in Kosovo sent an Appeal for Peace to the EU and the Quint on June 3 this year, urging them to take bold measures to preserve peace," Mijacic stated.

However, Mijacic points out that the reaction from the EU and the Quint was insufficient, leading to a worsening situation.

"Their reaction was insufficient, and the situation in the north is deteriorating on a daily level. There's constant police, political, and economic pressure on the Serbian community in the north. For instance, the "oral" decision to ban the import of Serbian goods is active as of June 14," Mijacic conveyed.

Due to the ban on the import of Serbian goods, ordinary people are harassed if they carry food or drinks to their homes or relatives, according to Mijacic.

"In local shops, there are almost no Serbian products. In my home town, many stores have already closed. People are depressed, feeling hopeless," he noted.

He emphasizes that the Kosovo Government is involved in new cases of private property violations.

"The issue with the illegal expropriation of private land by the Kosovo Government since last year has been questioned by the EU/Quint; resolving this case is a condition for Kosovo's membership in the Council of Europe. On the contrary, these days, the Kosovo Government is involved in new cases of private property violations," Mijacic stated.

He reminds that through the Peace Appeal, they reminded the Quint ambassadors and other countries that have recognized Kosovo's independence of the promise to work towards building a multi-ethnic and democratic society, fostering the affirmation of its independence for years.

"They have a historical and moral obligation towards the Serbs who live in Kosovo. The future of the Serbs and multi-ethnic Kosovo solely depends on their ability to preserve peace and stop institutional violence toward the citizens who live in the north. Merry Christmas, enjoy the holidays, and think about what is happening to the Serbs in northern Kosovo under your watch," Mijacic concluded.