Office for Kosovo and Metohija
Government of the Republic of Serbia

Đurić: Kosovo initiative to join UNESCO “deeply cynical”

The Government of Serbia and its diplomats do not accept the idea of Kosovo being a member of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and will fight it, Director of the Serbian government’s Office for Kosovo-Metohija (KiM) Marko Djuric said Saturday, qualifying this initiative as deeply cynical and politically irresponsible.

"Those who now seek to join this organization are the main culprits for the destruction of hundreds of sacred sites in Kosovo and Metohija. The very idea that former war-time commanders turned politicians now want to manage and make decisions about the sacred sites they themselves sought to destroy is the epitome of cynicism and politically irresponsible", Đuric said.

Đurić also pointed out that such an idea is a poor signal politically speaking as well, and specified that Serbia will take all diplomatically available steps to prevent Kosovo from joining UNESCO.

“The very fact that they once demolished the shrines they are now trying to assume responsibility for is nothing but cynicism in my book and deeply insulting for all Serbs”, Đurić stated.

When asked how this initiative would reflect on the Belgrade-Priština dialogue, Đurić said that talks should proceed so as to enable the people of Kosovo and Metohija to live normal lives.

“It is neither easy nor is it all the same for us to have to talk to people that we know did things, but we will talk to whoever can ensure that our people have more safety and with anyone who is responsible on behalf of the Albanian people”, he added.

"In my opinion any court is better than no court, and we have to keep in mind that there is no statutory limitation on war crimes. We all should have a responsibility to fight for the truth," he said.

Asked about the formation the Community of Serbian Municipalities, Đurić said that, "We are ready to discuss all issues pending after the last round of talks between the Prime Minister of Serbia and of the Province."

“In my opinion this is crucial”, he said.

Đurić added that lately Albanian politicians often complain that they cannot focus on the establishment of the CSM and the establishment of the court at the same time.

"Dialogue facilitators should not only provide space and ambiance for work. Instead, they must guarantee the flow of conversation and demonstrate leadership when someone strays from the topic, keeping the talks on the track and converging to the point where the two sides are close to an agreement", Đuric said.

He added that inventing new ideas, as the Pristina side is prone to do, is certainly not bringing talks closer to a solution.

Asked whether a meeting will be held at the prime ministerial level in late July as originally planned, Đurić said that it remains to be seen: the Serbian Government is ready for talks at any time, but it also depends on Priština party.

Asked to comment on Edi Rama’s recent unannounced visits to Kosovo, Đurić said that he was "happy that such a visit took place without the chauvinistic statements about the creation of a greater Albania, and that greater level of responsibility and seriousness were demonstrated."

"I think that the international community has become aware that many actions made over the previous years gave wings to a political elite in

Pristina which is not politically mature enough to carry out the process of reconciliation and normalization of relations at the speed required by the international community. There is the evident disappointment with the erstwhile protégés and beloved. How that would affect further political activity remains to be seen," Đurić said.

Asked to comment on the events in Potočari and the attack on the Prime Minister Aleksandar Vučić, Đurić said that it is the sincere desire of Serbia and its leadership to achieve reconciliation in the region.

“That is our strategic objective and many ordinary people in the country today realize this,” Đuric said.

"Do not think that the majority of Bosniaks do not regret the behavior of the irresponsible group to Aleksandar Vučić and the delegation from Serbia. I am convinced that those who have orchestrated this kind of event did not achieve their political goals, primarily because Serbian hand remains extended," said the Director of the Office for Kosovo and Metohija.

Kosovo applied for UNESCO membership on July 16, and its Foreign Minister Hasim Taci posted on Twitter that he expects Kosovo to join this organization in November.