Amid growing tensions and instability in northern Kosovo, Serbia has outlined a set of demands aimed at addressing the ongoing crisis in the region. The official stance, presented by Serbian Ambassador to Montenegro, Nebojša Rodić, reflects Serbia’s strategy to restore normalcy and protect the rights of ethnic Serbs in Northern Kosovo.
The current crisis intensified earlier this summer when Kosovo authorities accelerated the takeover of Serbian institutions, effectively shutting down key administrative offices linked to the Republic of Serbia. This move has led to increased tensions, further straining relations between the two sides.
In a meeting held two days ago with Montenegro’s Speaker of Parliament, Andrija Mandić, Rodić shared Serbia’s official position on the matter. The Serbian ambassador highlighted the discriminatory policies that Serbia believes are being enacted against ethnic Serbs in Northern Kosovo, blaming Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti for exacerbating the situation.
„The only goal Mr. Albin Kurti has is to make life impossible for Serbs not only in the northern municipalities but across the entire territory,“ Rodić reportedly stated during the meeting, as outlined in a report published on the Montenegrin parliament’s official website.
Serbia’s Six Key Demands for Resolving the Crisis
The official Serbian position includes six main points aimed at resolving the growing tensions and restoring stability in northern Kosovo:
1. Immediate Elections: Serbia is calling for the swift organization of free elections in northern municipalities, currently governed by officials who, according to Serbia, lack the legitimacy of the local population’s vote.
2. Return of Serbian Police Officers: The demand for the reinstatement of 700 Serbian police officers to Kosovo’s provisional institutions is seen as a critical step to restoring safety and peace in the region, where basic human rights are reportedly being undermined.
3. Judicial Reform: Serbia has expressed concerns over the lack of dialogue concerning the return of Serbian judges and prosecutors to Kosovo’s judicial system, a key issue since Albin Kurti assumed power. This demand is tied to the 2013 Brussels Agreement, which was meant to ensure Serbian participation in Kosovo’s judicial processes.
4. Formation of the Association of Serbian Municipalities (ASM)
5. Release of Political Prisoners: The Serbian government insists on the release of individuals it claims have been detained for political reasons, noting that many detainees were imprisoned before any charges were brought against them.
6. Lifting the Ban on Serbian Goods: Serbia has called for an end to the 14-month-long blockade on the import of Serbian products into Kosovo. This issue has been a significant point of contention, as Serbia criticizes the European Union for failing to enforce the principles of free movement of goods and services.
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