Minister for Kosovo and Metohija Goran Bogdanovic speaks about the referendum, disciplining the North, candidacy: People would not be chastised because of the leaders. No withdrawal from institutions in the province
’’Decision to hold the referendum depletes the maneuvering space available to the Government and state leadership in the dialogue with the international community about resolving the issue of Kosovo and European integrations. Talks with the representatives of local administration would continue. I know it's hard to own up to a mistake but it’s the same in politics as in life – it’s better to rectify it in time and avoid causing damage.’’
This is what Minister for Kosovo and Metohija Goran Bogdanovic told the NOVOSTI, adding that whatever final decision leaders from the north make would demonstrate their priorities – either the interest of the state and its citizens, or those of their party headquarters:
- It’s clear that the idea and the strategy originated in party kitchens. Anyone willing to risk the interests of citizens and the state for the sake of party benefits should not be politically representing Kosovo Serbs.
* How does the official Belgrade intend to treat the referendum results, if it is held nevertheless - will there be requests to determine constitutionality of that decision, or would the results be declared null and void, or would there be something else?
- Those going against the interests of the state and the citizens will have to bear the political consequences of the damage done as well as of the consequences of the referendum, and not hide behind the citizens and parties.
* Leaders of Serbs in the northern Kosovo and Metohija are accusing the Government for engaging in "disciplining" for disobedience - power cuts, job cuts...
- These fabrications and nonsense concerning our alleged intentions to punish people for the wrong actions on the part of the representatives of local authorities, all stem from the very same kitchens which came up with the idea of a referendum in the first place. Power cuts took place prior to the idea of the referendum, as a result of a number of different problems, technical ones. After all, families of my closest associates, as well as my own, live in the north of the province and share the fate of this nation.
Is the Government considering reduction of appropriations for Kosovo if the dialogue between Belgrade and political leaders from the north continues to be halted?
- Introducing financial order, downsizing the number of employees, exercising financial control of the cash flow all began in late 2008 when I took over the Ministry for Kosovo and Metohija, and it would continue until the end of my mandate. The aim is to monitor every cent spent on the province. Again, people will not and should not suffer on account of poor moves made by the representatives of local governments.
* What is your reply to criticism that the Government is "quietly" forgoing the north and that while it’s publicly declaring it would not pull out from the institutions there, which the EU requested, that’s what’s nevertheless taking place on the ground?
- These are all groundless qualifications. Reorganization and streamlining of institutions of the state of Serbia in Kosovo and Metohija have been essential for their effective functioning. However, this does not, nor will not, mean that the state institutions would pull out from Kosovo. It’s beyond doubt that the Serbs in Kosovo and Metohija have survived and continue to survive only in places with up-and-functioning institutions of the state of Serbia.
* What is it specifically that Serbia must achieve in the next four weeks in order to gain the EU candidate status in March?
- Events from last December prove all forecast to be ill-advised. I’m certain that Serbia would never recognize Kosovo's independence, nor cease looking for a solution to the Kosovo problem, while at the same time not relinquishing European integrations. Conditions for candidacy include reaching an agreement on regional representation of Kosovo as well as practical implementation of the agreements reached.
* How is it possible to reach an agreement on Pristina’s participation in regional forums and not give up the Resolution 1244?
- There are daily consultations with the international community, and I’m not a pessimist when it comes to the application of Resolution 1244 regarding regional representation of Pristina. I believe an agreement would be made.
* How realistic is a possible alteration of this document in the UN Security Council and which direction would it take?
- Resolution 1244 is part of Serbia's Constitution and international law and its application isn’t a matter of bilateral relations between Serbia and the UN. The UN Security Council resolution is binding for all. Therefore, Serbia will never give up Resolution 1244.
* Is there a risk of a new condition popping up in the final hour of deliberations on the EU candidacy – such as demands that Belgrade provides guarantees that the upcoming elections would not be called in Kosovo and Metohija, an issue lately?
- We have received assurances that there would be no new conditions, but something unpredictable can always crop up. As to the elections, I personally think we should have a series of discussions and consultations on the matter, and only then reach the final decision on whether to hold local elections in light of the situation and of everything going on in the province.
* What are the Government’s plans for the future?
- The Government will, as always, strive for a compromise solution. It won’t make one step that might jeopardize our European path or jeopardize our national and state interests.
Talks about Tadic’s plan
* Belgrade proposed a new solution for Kosovo and Metohija in order to reach a compromise, and President Tadic has offered a four-point plan for Kosovo. How would we secure international support for this plan?
- Only an proactive politics and engaging in a dialogue with all relevant international actors can yield results. Despite the differences, President Tadic's plan has not encountered suspicion and rejection. Talks with the international community about it are ongoing.
We expect new pressures
Peter Faith office would be closed by the end of the year which would put a stop on a process of the monitored independence of Kosovo. Would the pressures on Belgrade be stepped up?
The International Steering Group for Kosovo is not representative of the international community or the UN, or the UN Security Council. Rather it represents the states sponsoring the independence of Kosovo and Metohija, led by the Quintet. There would be pressures, yes, but it is a also solid fact that there is no alternative to Serbian institutions in Kosovo and Metohija if the Serbs and other non-Albanians are to remain there and to survive.