Milovic: Peaceful resistance is our strongest weapon; Pristina's rhetoric does not contribute to stabilization

The former mayor of Zvecan, Dragisa Milovic, emphasized that the scenes that occurred in Zvecan could have been avoided, but there had been no goodwill on the other side.

"We have to go back to Friday 26th, and what Pristina did by entering municipality buildings with special units. We told KFOR representatives that the police belong in police stations, not in municipalities. There is no one in the Zvecan municipality building, workers have been unable to go to their workplaces for five days. Children are not going to high schools and elementary schools. Special forces have no place there," Milovic stated for Dnevnik RTS.

According to him, everything stems from agreements that Pristina fails to implement.

"The issue of the CSM has been ongoing for over ten years. If the community had been established, we wouldn't be in this situation. In the face of all provocations, we must remain peaceful. Our strongest weapon is peaceful resistance. The truth is on our side; we are on our own land, and we have not taken anything that belongs to others," Milovic said.

He adds that according to Resolution 1244, KFOR soldiers should ensure peace and stability for all citizens, and they are welcome.

"A political solution must be sought. The solution is to go back to the period before the 26th on Friday, to implement all agreements, and for Serbs in the majority areas to govern their lives in the way we believe is best for us, not to have Kurti or anyone from Pristina tell us what is good for us," Milovic said.

He states that he does not see the rhetoric in Pristina easing.

"We heard yesterday that our citizens are a mob. We are being told to either go to Serbia or to prison. Such rhetoric does not contribute to stabilizing the situation. I expect the EU and the Quint to influence finding a peaceful solution. It is possible if there is the will," Milovic added, stating that such a solution is possible.

He finds encouragement in the messages recently heard from French President Emmanuel Macron and the US Ambassador to Pristina, Jeffrey Hovenier.

"I think it is the first time in years that Pristina is being accused of destabilizing the situation in the north. It's only in words for now, and we'll see if it translates into action. I think Kurti should show his goodwill. Serbs have been under such pressure for the three years he has been in power – over 300 attacks, shooting at the Bistrica Bridge – all of that since Kurti's arrival. The demands remain. There is no justice for Serbs. Arrests are made, convictions are made, and then they look for evidence later," Milovic emphasized.

He conveys that his health condition is good but expresses concern for Dragisa Galjak, who was shot by Kosovo police officers on Monday.

"His condition is still serious. We are considering sending him for further treatment in Belgrade. He has suffered severe injuries to the pelvis and blood vessels, which require a complex form of treatment. He is conscious, communicating, and oriented, but we will decide on the next steps in consultation," Milovic stated.