Starovic: Serbia is not violating any agreement within the dialogue but aims to support its population in Kosovo

Beograd_240612_Podkast_Nemanja Starović
Source: Kosovo Online

Serbia's Minister of Labor, Employment, Veteran, and Social Affairs, Nemanja Starovic, responded to EU criticism by stating that Serbia’s adoption of the Draft Law on declaring Kosovo as a special social protection area does not violate any agreements made within the EU-facilitated dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina.

He clarifies that the Draft Law envisages provisions for financial social assistance to unemployed persons and individuals over 65 who do not qualify for a pension, which, he emphasizes, does not breach the letter or spirit of any existing agreements.

"The adoption of the Draft Law declaring Kosovo and Metohija an area of special social protection does not violate any agreements reached within the EU-mediated dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina. This proposed law introduces financial social support for unemployed individuals and those over 65 who are ineligible for a pension, which does not violate any part of the current agreements," Starovic stated.

Furthermore, he notes, Serbia’s right to provide material and financial assistance to its population in Kosovo is not questioned, even in the Ahtisaari Plan, which Pristina has unilaterally implemented.

Starovic believes that the EU should focus on Pristina’s conduct, which systematically undermines the rights of the Serbian community.

"Instead of pointing to non-existent breaches of the agreements by Belgrade, it would be far more meaningful if the EU spokesperson would at least acknowledge the ongoing and systematic denial of basic human, political, and economic rights to the Serbian community carried out by Albin Kurti’s regime, which really and openly violates the agreements reached in Brussels," Starovic concluded.