Serb List delegation meets Grynkewich: KFOR should increase presence in Serb communities

A Serb List delegation met today in Pristina with NATO Supreme Allied Commander Europe General Alexus Grynkewich to discuss the current security and political situation in Kosovo, with particular emphasis on the numerous problems and challenges facing the Serbian people, and called for an increased KFOR presence in Serb communities.

Serb List representatives—President Zlatan Elek, parliamentary group leader Igor Simic and North Mitrovica Mayor Milan Radojevic—pointed to the extremely difficult position of the Serbian people as a consequence of continued institutional violence, systematic violations of fundamental human and political rights, and the pressures to which Serbs are exposed on a daily basis, the party said in a statement.

Particular emphasis was placed on the fact that dozens of Serbs are being held in detention without clear and convincing evidence of their guilt, further deepening the sense of legal insecurity and fear among the Serbian population.

At the same time, the delegation pointed out that Serb-majority municipalities were facing unlawful pressure from central-level institutions, directly obstructing and preventing their normal functioning to the detriment of all citizens.

Serb List representatives stressed that preserving peace and security was essential to the survival of the Serbian people in Kosovo and expressed the expectation that KFOR would increase its presence in Serb communities, particularly in areas where security challenges and pressures are most pronounced.

They also expressed the expectation that KFOR, in accordance with its mandate, would continue to take all necessary measures to preserve peace, stability and a safe and secure environment for all citizens, regardless of their ethnicity, while paying particular attention to the legitimate security concerns of the Serbian population.

“The Serb List will continue, in its talks with the highest-ranking international representatives, to insist on the protection of the rights of the Serbian people, the prevention of institutional violence and the creation of conditions for a peaceful, safe and dignified life for all Serbs in Kosovo and Metohija,” the statement added.