Starovic: Kurti has two goals – to accelerate the departure of Serbs from Kosovo and to provoke Serbia’s reaction

Minister for European Integration Nemanja Starovic emphasized that Kosovo’s caretaker Prime Minister Albin Kurti has two main goals – to accelerate the departure of Serbs from Kosovo and to provoke a reaction from Serbia involving NATO forces.

Speaking on RTS, Starovic said that when it comes to the actions of the provisional institutions in Pristina, he expects nothing good.

He explained that Albin Kurti’s goals are “to accelerate the emigration of the Serbian people from Kosovo and to provoke a reaction from Serbia together with NATO forces” – something, he noted, that has been avoided.

“An international consensus is being formed that Kurti’s behavior is unacceptable, and it is in this context that I see the recent decision of the U.S. administration,” he said.

On Meetings in New York

Ahead of the Serbian delegation’s trip to New York for the UN General Assembly, the President of Serbia announced that good news regarding the withdrawal of recognition of Kosovo’s independence can be expected soon. He specified that in New York he would meet with U.S. Secretary of State Marko Rubio, as well as with more than 20 presidents and prime ministers from various countries.

Starovic said that the UNGA will be a good opportunity to talk both with friendly states and with traditional allies, as well as with those with whom Serbia does not agree on every issue.

“We can also expect good news regarding changes of stance on Kosovo and Metohija by certain states, as the President has announced,” Starovic said.

A meeting between President Vucic and Marko Rubio has been announced. Responding to a question about his expectations from that meeting, Starovic noted that a month and a half ago, Foreign Minister Marko Djuric had met with Rubio in Washington, which opened the door for Vucic’s meeting with the U.S. Secretary of State in New York.

On Opening Cluster 3

Discussing Serbia’s European path, Starovic said that dialogue with EU member states is ongoing.

“It is in our interest to accelerate the road to EU membership. We are working hard to open Cluster 3. Consensus among member states is needed, and I believe we will be able to open Cluster 3 by the end of the year,” Starovic concluded.

On the Military Parade

Commenting on yesterday’s military parade “Strength of Unity,” the minister stated that there can be no stability without adequate military power and strength, while stressing that military capacities are not meant for threats.

In his opinion, it was difficult to single out one element from the parade, noting that the entire event was spectacular.

“We could feel proud watching what the Serbian Armed Forces possess today, observing the level of equipment and training. I would particularly highlight the segment of air defense. In this area, we are among just a few countries on the European continent with such capabilities,” Starovic emphasized.

According to him, there can be no stability without adequate military strength.

Military Capacities Are Not for Threats

“The army’s capacities are not intended for threats, but to effectively deter anyone who might contemplate doing harm to our country,” said Minister Starovic, adding that this forces even the most powerful to think carefully before deciding on any potential aggression.

“There is no immediate threat of external aggression, which is the result both of our foreign policy and of the army’s deterrent capacities,” he noted.

“Since time immemorial, the rule has been that weakness and helplessness are the best invitation for an aggressor. Serbia is not weak or helpless. We have never threatened anyone, and despite spiteful comments in the regional press, we can be proud of what the Serbian Armed Forces have today,” Starovic concluded.