Minister for Kosovo and Metohija Goran Bogdanovic maintains that the Serbian government is conducting a pragmatic policy in resolving the Kosovo problem All those talks of partition and various special status serve to change the actual situation on the ground ahead of the opinion of the International Court of Justice
Belgrade –The masks are definitely off. Bayram Rexhepi's statement about sending the Kosovo Police Service special forces to the north of Kosovo and Metohija indicates not only who was behind the recent violent events in northern Kosovo but also who it is that is in a hurry to change the situation on the ground on the eve of the adoption of the opinion of the International Court of Justice.
Anyone wishing peace and a negotiated solution must not only be disappointed but also harbor serious concerns when hearing announcements such as this, clearly representing rattling with guns. It is very important that the EULEX denied and rejected the allegations made by Rexhepi about EULEX making agreement with Pristina. Such position by EULEX is the only one possible if they want to carry out their status neutral mandate in the southern province. I expect that, as we approach the passing of the opinion of the International Court of Justice, Pristina will only intensify the provocations. But as was stated at the last session of the UN Security Council, any further responsibility for tensions, riots and any ill consequences, will be borne by those who resort to unilateral actions. All those talks of partition and various special status serve to change the actual situation on the ground, ahead of the opinion of International Court of Justice - Goran Bogdanovic, Minister for Kosovo and Metohija in the Government of Serbia told the Danas in an interview.
What steps does Belgrade intend to take after the International Court of Justice announcement and is there any truth to the rumors that there isn’t in fact any specific national strategy?
- No serious diplomacy or politics ever discloses steps and moves when it comes to important decisions. If someone does not see the determination, energy and the work invested by both the Serbian President and the Government in the implementation of the strategy for Kosovo and Metohija, then it is a waste of my time to try and open their eyes, nor do I wish to spend time assuring everyone that Serbia both has the strategy and implements it. The Government of Serbia and the Ministry are conducting a pragmatic politics when it comes to solving the Kosovo problem, which is taking place on several fronts. With regards to foreign policy, both the President of Serbia and our diplomacy are involved in a difficult yet successful battle. The Ministry for Kosovo and Metohija operates on the ground, seeking to promote and develop the Serbian community, create better conditions for subsistence and also for the return of the displaced. Unfortunately, the economic crisis has postponed many of our plans until better times. Nevertheless, we managed to build infrastructure, rebuild all schools, build kindergartens, and create a solid foundation for a decent life and functioning in the Serbian areas. At the same time, we economized, we cut our expenses and rerouted the excess money to special-purpose loans aimed at reviving production and employment. We created a solid foundation on which to set about the second phase of accelerated economic development and improvement of the Serbian communities. The core policy of the Ministry for Kosovo and Metohija is to improve the life of ordinary people in the province.
What is your comment to the fact that even among the ranks of the ruling coalition in Serbia, many believe that this is a bad political message to Kosovo Serbs, and certain of their political representatives openly accuse you of ‘carrying out Brussels’s orders’?
- Representatives of the ruling coalition are sitting in the cabinet and were all present at the Government meeting when the resolution to abolish the seven municipalities not inhabited by the Serbs was unanimously adopted. So much for the "many." As for, as you say, certain political representatives of the Kosovo Serbs, it is true that I made it impossible for these pay-roll patriots to get enormously rich at the expense of the state and the people suffering. I therefore understand their anger and accusations that I am an officer of Brussels. Unfortunately for them, I am a civil servant of Serbia, and that’s what’s most troubling them. I admit, I also crossed certain rich people in Serbia and certain political structures in Kosovo, preventing them from using the state budget and this ministry as a bottomless bag.
Response to criticisms
Why did the proposal of the Ministry for Kosovo and Metohija to dissolve seven Serbian municipal assemblies, recently adopted by the Serbian Government, ‘appear’ just ahead of local elections in Parteš?
- Local self-governments are not eliminated. Their assemblies have been dissolved and some people lost their seats, but the reason is simple – utter indolence and negligence. The effects and results of their work equal zero. They did not do anything for the people exiled in 1999, didn’t even budge. They never even tried. Why should the state spent funds paying someone’s indolence. The time of the demagogues is behind us but unfortunately many still don’t get that. Positions of presidents of these municipalities are now occupied by coordinators, who will establish contact with the displaced and, with our assistance, will make it possible for these people to return to their ancestral homes and make these local government more efficient.
Jelena Tasic