HAPPY TV - Dačić: The most important thing is to de-escalate the violence in Kosovo and Metohija as soon as possible

15. Dec 2022.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Serbia, Ivica Dačić, was a guest in the Happy TV morning program.

Dačić referred to yesterday's meeting with the US special representative for the Western Balkans, Gabriel Escobar.

Escobar said that the formation of a community of Serbian municipalities is an urgent issue and that it should be resolved as soon as possible. Dačić said that he is not surprised by this statement, adding that it has been repeated many times. He also noted a fair approach by the USA regarding this issue.

“Escobar used the wording regarding the Brussels Agreement that goes in our favour. He said the agreement was legally binding. Some other European representatives are not as strict on this issue. Baerbock told me that no Kosovo prime minister will accept the establishment of the Union of Serbian Municipalities. However, when the Brussels agreement was signed, Hashim Thaçi was the prime minister. He signed it. The paradox is that some acknowledge the Brussels agreement and some do not. President Vučić listed all international agreements and asked which of those was acceptable. It is obvious that Pristina is attempting to ignore everything, and that is why the continuation of the dialogue is jeopardised. In the papers of the Thessaloniki summit, reference is made to the Resolution 1244. All claims that the agreements and resolutions are not valid are only fuelling Kurti to reject everything and to continue according to his agenda. But, in the coming days we must work toward de-escalation, and only after can we discuss more serious issues based on the Brussels Agreement”, Minister Dačić said.

Dačić commented on the position of the international community regarding the return of Kosovo Serbs to institutions in the southern province.

“The situation is not simple at all. Serbs have no place or a way to return to the institutions. Representatives of the international community declared that the biggest problem at the moment is Kurti. They believe that while Kurti is in power, the Brussels Agreement will not be adhered to”, Dačić said. He also said that he was not surprised by the clashes between football fans after the match between France and Morocco, and added that the policy towards asylum seekers is something that further weighs down an already overburdened Europe.

The minister said that it is uncertain what will happen with the so-called Kosovo after applying for EU membership.

“Szijjártó promised me personally to vote against! The question is whether there will be a vote at all or whether the Czech presidency will push it as a procedural question...

Regarding the course taken by Serbia when it comes to foreign policy, the minister said:

“We must lead a balanced foreign policy based on the principles of international law. This issue of harmonisation with the EU is not only an issue related to Russia. We were victims of sanctions and we cringe at a mere mention of sanctions. I am talking about political interests here. It is very important to see how the voting in international forums goes. It is not of much help that there are countries that didn't recognize Kosovo when they didn't vote for it. If we were to impose sanctions on Russia, would that mean that Kosovo would not become a UN member? Of course it does not. Imposing sanctions on Russia would not change anything, apart from us losing votes. Therefore, our decisions are sovereign and we make them regardless of pressure from either side”, Dačić said.

Minister Dačić reiterated that the most important thing about the current crisis in Kosovo and Metohija is to stop further escalation of violence.

“Today is the session of the European Council, all EU leaders are at that meeting, and the situation in Kosovo will certainly be discussed. Lajčák and Borrell will certainly inform about what is happening”, Minister Dačić concluded.

Source: Happy