Petkovic: We must stand with our people and lead them

The Director of the Office for Kosovo and Metohija, Petar Petkovic, stated in an interview with RTS, commenting on the Law on Foreigners that is due to enter into force in Kosovo in March, that the State of Serbia is doing everything possible to find a solution, as the law violates the Serbs’ right to life.

Petkovic recalled that since 1998–1999, from the time of the war in Kosovo and renewed suffering of Serbs there, Serbs have risen and gone to bed with the sole idea of surviving and remaining in their ancestral homes.

“Serbs have endured a great deal, and we will find a solution to this situation as well. President of Serbia Aleksandar Vucic is also engaged in this effort. We are doing everything within our power—through letters and warnings to the European Union and Brussels. The right to life is being violated here; Serbs are being prevented from driving their own vehicles and from accessing hospitals. I want to send a message that we stand with the Serbian people and will strive to find a solution,” Petkovic said.

He added that political and institutional representatives of the Serbs held an important meeting yesterday in North Mitrovica, during which they adopted a Declaration expressing the unity of the Serbian people.

“This is no longer a question of whether Pristina has crossed a red line—it already has. Rather, it is about exploiting a complicated global moment to help Pristina consolidate its independence. We will never recognize the so-called independence of Kosovo. We are prepared to fight for dialogue and compromise solutions, certainly—but we will not accept pressure or blackmail,” Petkovic stated.

He assessed that certain actors seek to undermine the dialogue, avoid any mention of the Community of Serb-Majority Municipalities (CSM), and dismantle the pillars of Serbian survival in Kosovo—namely healthcare, education, and the Serbian Orthodox Church.

“We must stand with our people and lead them,” Petkovic emphasized.

Commenting on the military alliance between Kosovo, Albania, and Croatia, Petkovic asserted that the international community is “turning a blind eye.”

“When the CSM is trampled upon and agreements are disregarded, no one seems to care. President Aleksandar Vucic has most clearly explained what this trilateral alliance between the so-called Kosovo, Albania, and Croatia represents. This is not merely military-technical cooperation; it is a military alliance. Individuals in uniform are discussing tactics and military directions, considering how to threaten the State of Serbia. No one is asking how it is possible for a so-called state—which is not a state—to engage in such cooperation with Albania and Croatia while everyone pretends not to notice,” Petkovic said.

He added that together with the Serb List they are seeking solutions for the survival of the Serbian people in Kosovo, emphasizing that the only possible integration is the integration of Serbs and Serbian institutions within the framework of the CSM.

“Our institutions must continue to function and exist, financed by the Republic of Serbia. That is the point. I need not explain what it would mean if tomorrow we were left without our schools or healthcare system. Where would our children study, and where would our people receive treatment? Our hospitals treat both Serbs and Albanians. They employ the best doctors, and we have provided the highest-quality equipment. Thanks to President Vucic, Minister Loncar, and the Government, we have employed more than 2,500 people in the healthcare sector. Starting in 2025, we will implement a special financial project, under which employees will receive an additional 20,000 dinars. Do you think we would undertake all of this if we were not thinking about the future of our people?” Petkovic asked.

Regarding the formation of the Kosovo Assembly and Government, Petkovic stated that Albin Kurti is violating all regulations, including by appointing Nenad Rasic as Minister for Communities and Returns.

“When Kurti slaps the EU and violates all agreements, it is clear how he treats his own regulations. Nothing is sacred to them. That is why he pushed Rasic into parliament, into a seat guaranteed for representatives of the Serbian people. Rasic received more than 700 votes in Albanian-majority areas, from which Serbs have been forced to leave since 1999. He does not legitimately hold a parliamentary seat; he was placed there by deception. This is how they operate—seeking compliant Serbs who will implement Kurti’s agenda, which is the agenda of a Greater Albania and the expulsion of Serbs. Why would he seek to close Serbian institutions? Because he does not want the Serbian people to exist,” Petkovic said.

As for the continuation of the dialogue, Petkovic noted that he had spoken with the Special Representative for the Belgrade–Pristina Dialogue, Peter Sorensen, whom he informed of the consequences should Kurti’s new laws be implemented.

“These would be catastrophic consequences for the survival of the Serbian people in Kosovo and Metohija, and everyone—particularly the international community, which bears significant responsibility—must take this seriously,” he added.

Petkovic concluded by assuring the Serbian people in Kosovo that the Republic of Serbia stands with them.

“President Aleksandar Vucic stands shoulder to shoulder with them and in front of them. We will continue to fight as we have done for years. It is essential that our institutions—where tens of thousands are employed and upon which numerous families depend—remain in Serbian hands, and that Serbs continue to receive healthcare and education. Through this law, they seek to expel Serbs who do not possess Kosovo documents and to separate families. It is clear what kind of policy Albin Kurti is pursuing. We will never abandon our people. Let all those who seek to exploit the situation, including the opposition in Belgrade, know that we stand with our people, that we respond daily, and that we are striving to find solutions, because we cannot expect anything from Kurti. At this point, pressure on the international community, the EU, and the Quint is crucial. It will become clear who stood behind the escalatory actions that led to the closure of Serbian institutions and the arrest of individuals—actions taken by Albin Kurti to which no one in Europe has responded,” Petkovic concluded.