Đurić: Bunker mentality winning in Pristina
Commenting on today's decision of the Assembly of Kosovo not to respect the Washington Agreement, Đurić told Tanjug that it refers not only to the agreements already reached, but also to the future ones, because one cannot trust the dialogue process when one side is not ready to carry out elementary obligations they undertook.
"It is not just being stubborn towards Serbia", said Đurić, who attended the signing of the agreement in Washington, which was signed separately by the President of Serbia, Aleksandar Vučić, and the Prime Minister of Kosovo at the time, Avdullah Hoti.
He reminded that the representatives of the American administration repeatedly called on Pristina for a constructive approach to the dialogue, and that the State Department officially called on Pristina to implement the obligations from Washington and supported the Washington Agreement.
Đurić added that today's decision of the Kosovo Assembly shows even more clearly the contrast between the policy of the two sides, primarily the one pursued by Serbia, not only in relations with Pristina but in the entire region, which is oriented towards cooperation, improvement of relations and removal of barriers to normal life.
On the other hand, Pristina's policy is a policy of self-isolation, confrontation and turning to the past, said Đurić, adding that such a policy of Pristina is also encouraged by certain authorities in the region.
"I cannot say that I am happy and satisfied that they are pursuing such a policy, but I can say that I am happy and satisfied that Serbia today, led by President Vučić, is pursuing a responsible and wise regional policy that is concentrated on the country's economic development, building bridges and cooperation in the region, and everyone who wants to, can see who is a reliable partner in the region", said Đurić.
When asked how Serbia will react to today's decision of Pristina, Đurić pointed out that Serbia continues to insist on the implementation of the reached agreements.
"We will never give up on the Association of Serbian Municipalities, or other obligations, but we will not leave the care of the Serbian people in Kosovo and Metohija to chance", said Đurić.
He adds that President Aleksandar Vučić, as well as other officials in Serbia, have made it clear enough, in deeds and words, that they are taking care of the security and well-being of the Serbian people in Kosovo and Metohija.
In that sense, Đurić also says that the Office for Kosovo and Metohija, headed by Petar Petković, is doing an excellent work of supporting our people in the southern province.
Đurić expects that in the next period, that work will not only be maintained at the existing level, but also increased, regardless of the obstacles that Pristina sets.
"We have neither the right nor the opportunity to give up caring for our people", Đurić emphasized.
Answering the question whether, as an ambassador to the United States, he will react towards the US administration regarding today's decision of the Kosovo Assembly, Đurić reiterates that the American administration has repeatedly supported the obligations from Washington and called on Pristina to establish a constructive relationship.
He also says that he will continue to talk to the representatives of the administration every day, pointing out and underlining with arguments and facts how different sides treat the future of the region, agreements, who behaves responsibly and who behaves irresponsibly.
Source: Tanjug