Minister for Kosovo and Metohija on the Government report on Kosovo and Metohija, and the differences between Belgrade and the north: Our politics is united. No pulling back from the institutions in the North
The Government report on the situation in Kosovo and Metohija is a realistic portrayal of events and the current situation on the ground. Therefore I expect it to be adopted. Hopefully the MPs are well aware of the seriousness of the situation and we would have a well-grounded debate in the Assembly, instead of politicization intent on scoring cheap political points with the public. Activities of the Serbian Government and other state agencies are primarily aimed at normalizing the situation in the northern Kosovo, resolving the crisis, preventing Pristina’s unilateral moves and bringing about dialogue.
* Certain political parties complain that the report failed to lay out plans and future steps of the Government. They accuse you, quoting that reports you submitted to the Security Committee and the Committee for Kosovo and Metohija, differ.
It would indeed be foolish and irresponsible to disclose concrete plans and actions, thus doing a favor to the other side. Let me repeat, the report provides a realistic portrayal and everything else is a mere speculation.
* The report also states that the KFOR soldiers used tear gas and stun grenades against the unarmed citizens.
- I am sure that the UNMIK, to the extent of its competences, will do its best to prevent outbursts of violence from any side. I reiterated to Mr. Zarif that the international presence in the province, the KFOR, EULEX and UNMIK, must strictly adhere to and operate within the framework of their status neutral mandate. Otherwise, one crisis will follow another.
* What actions are the authorities taking while citizens man the barricades?
- We have taken certain steps making sure that both KFOR and EULEX revert to the framework of their mandates. Clearly, such behavior on the part of both these missions has had tacit support of some powerful countries which had already recognized Kosovo's independence, and this definitely aggravates the situation and narrows the leeway. Following the incident at the Jarinje administrative point, KFOR reverted to the framework of its mandate, while EULEX is still unable to counter the pressures coming from Pristina. I’ve sent the head of EULEX an invitation to come to Belgrade to clear the air and remedy the existing problems.
* Do you agree with the head of the negotiating team, who believes that requirements of the political leaders of the Serbs in the north are unrealistic?
- When you leave aside the white noise of political bickering, the echoes of personal vanities, you are left with two realities. The first one is the situation and life itself on the ground, which isn’t easy. The second reality is the view from Belgrade, a decent distance offering a coolheaded stocktaking of the situation.
* Are the policies of Belgrade and the Serbs in the north diverged and if so, how can unity be reinstated?
- It is normal that the pressure of daily events triggers emotions, and all those involved in politics are entitled to it. On the other hand, realistically speaking, there are those on different sides of the political spectrum and in the international community intent on heightening those differences. So some are saying that the game is over, and others that all this is "charade and betrayal." Knowing all this, there must be some misunderstandings from time to time, but those aren’t insurmountable. I maintain that the state policy is united and that there is no rift between the northern Serbs and Belgrade.
*Deputy Prime Minister Ivica Dacic mentioned swapping territories. Is that an option?
- The position of the Government is clear, there would not be an exchange of territories. I believe the Deputy PM Dacic wished to start a sort of a public debate on possible options in order to identify the best solution.
* Is there still a single government politics on this issue?
- If that wasn’t the case, I wouldn’t be a minister in this Government anymore.
* The European Commission has conditioned recommendation for the candidate status with "normalization of relations with Kosovo". Does this include Serbia pulling back from the institutions in the north?
- By pulling back from the institutions in the north and other parts of the province we would actually be conducting a silent ethnic cleansing of our own people. Serbs have only managed to survive in those part of the Province where institution of the state of Serbia are in place. Therefore, it is reasonably clear why this would be unacceptable for us.
* Is it possible in the current circumstances to resume the dialogue with Pristina?
- I expect the dialogue would soon be resumed, as soon as we start implementing solutions for Brnjak and Jarinje. We already have some experience with the procrastinating tactics and obstruction on the part of Pristina, and I believe the goal is to slow us down on our progress to EU. But they should understand that unless Serbia advances, things would not become better for them. As for the EU, the situation is different there, as it is evident that Brussels is pressed for time, and wishes that Belgrade and Pristina would soon reach a compromise in the dialogue on technical issues.
* Is Serbia being blackmailed to recognize the independence of Kosovo and Metohija?
- Serbia isn’t facing with such blackmail, nor would it agree to do that.
Status Trial Balloons
* Would agreeing to the federalization of Kosovo, allegedly suggested by Angela Merkel, in fact mean that Serbia recognizes the independence of Kosovo?
- Such a solution would be directly linked to the recognition of Kosovo, which is unacceptable for us. These days there’s been several trial balloons in the air. To me it seems that what we have is a re-opening of talks on various models being offered to Belgrade and Pristina in order to resolve Kosovo's status.
Danijela Milinkovic