Djuric receives Chinese ambassador

BELGRADE - Serbian FM Marko Djuric met with Chinese Ambassador to Belgrade Li Ming on Thursday to inform him of the latest developments in the Autonomous Province of Kosovo-Metohija following the arrest of Assistant Director of the Serbian government Office for Kosovo-Metohija Igor Popovic.

Djuric noted that the arrest represented "the latest in a series of provocations by the institutions in Pristina, aimed at further destabilising the situation and obstructing the ongoing dialogue," the Serbian MFA said in a statement.

"Minister Djuric expressed his sincere gratitude for China’s principled and consistent support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic of Serbia. He reaffirmed Serbia’s firm commitment to the One China policy and full respect for the sovereignty of the People’s Republic of China over its entire territory," the MFA said.

"Minister Djuric noted that Mr Popovic was arrested during a commemorative gathering in Orahovac, under allegations of inciting hatred, after publicly stating that members of the 'Kosovo Liberation Army' had killed 47 Serbs and Roma in 1998.

He underscored that such actions — in addition to constituting a flagrant violation of fundamental rights and universally accepted civilisational norms — are clearly aimed at reshaping historical events in accordance with the narrative promoted by the authorities in Pristina, rather than on the basis of objective facts, and at suppressing the culture of remembrance.

Minister Djuric recalled that the terrorist character and numerous crimes committed by the KLA are well-documented in the international arena, including in the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1160, and that judicial proceedings are currently ongoing before the Hague-based Specialist Chambers against four former political leaders of Kosovo Albanians for crimes committed in 1998 and 1999.

He also emphasised that the KLA was previously listed in the official register of terrorist organisations maintained by the United States government," the statement also said.

"The Serbian Foreign Minister underlined that, under the current circumstances, any dialogue with representatives of Priština is not possible. He stressed the importance of support from all relevant international stakeholders in ensuring the prompt release of Mr Popovic.

He also highlighted the critical role of UNMIK and the necessity of strengthening its presence and activities on the ground."

“Serbia remains firmly committed to securing the release of Mr Popovic through political, diplomatic, and legal means, while continuing to pursue efforts to promote peace, stability, and economic cooperation throughout the Western Balkans,” Djuric concluded.