Perovic confers with Collina: Gazivode Lake is an essential part of the life and survival of Serbs

Zubin Potok Mayor Milos Perovic today expressed to KFOR Deputy Commander Brigadier General Federico Collina the concerns of the municipality and the local population regarding recent developments relating to Gazivode Lake, including the demolition of holiday homes, the selective enforcement of the decision on the use of motorboats on Gazivode Lake, and other measures causing concern among local residents.

Perovic emphasised that, for the local population, Gazivode Lake is not merely a natural resource, but an essential part of their life and survival.

“I also stressed the need to take the interests of the local population into account when carrying out any activities or adopting decisions affecting this area, while preserving a safe, secure and stable environment for all residents,” Perovic wrote on Instagram.

He also stated that Brigadier General Collina had listened to the concerns raised and reiterated KFOR’s commitment, within the scope of its mandate, to contributing to a safe and secure environment and freedom of movement for all communities.

The demolition of holiday homes owned by Serbs began yesterday at Gazivode Lake. Perovic told Kosovo Online that the Municipality had not issued a demolition permit and that the procedure was being carried out without a court order. He added that, as in previous cases, this was a direct decision by the central authorities in Pristina targeting Serbs.

The decision to begin the demolitions prompted reactions from the EU Office in Pristina, the German and British embassies, as well as the OSCE and UNMIK.

The EU Office in Kosovo expressed regret over yesterday’s demolition of the houses and called for an immediate suspension of demolitions, forced evictions or the taking over of property until concerns relating to due process, proportionality, property rights, human rights and effective legal remedies had been adequately addressed.