Petkovic, Due discuss violations of Kosovo-Metohija Serbs' human and political rights

BELGRADE - The head of the Serbian government Office for Kosovo-Metohija Petar Petkovic met on Thursday with Peter Due, special representative of the UN secretary general and head of UNMIK - the UN mission in Kosovo-Metohija - to inform him of the numerous examples of violations of the fundamental human and political rights of Serbs in Kosovo-Metohija, as well as of Pristina's unilateral and illegal moves.

Petkovic said he was confident that, in its reports, UNMIK would continue to speak, in a consistent and committed manner, about all violations of the Serbs' rights, jeopardised as a result of almost daily anti-Serb and escalatory moves by Albin Kurti, which he noted were undermining peace and stability in the territory of Kosovo-Metohija, the Office for Kosovo-Metohija said in a statement.

For its part, Serbia is participating in the Brussels dialogue with Pristina in a committed and constructive manner, with a view to normalising relations and solving all outstanding issues while unequivocally insisting that concrete steps must be taken to establish a Community of Serb Municipalities, for which the Serbs have been waiting for nearly 13 years now, Petkovic said.

He noted that, on the other side of the negotiating table, there was unfortunately no credible dialogue partner ready for compromise.

"By announcing the implementation of so-called laws on foreigners and vehicles, Pristina is aiming to jeopardise further the numerous Serb rights also guaranteed by international conventions, including, among others, the right of movement, work and family life, as well as the rights to education and medical treatment," Petkovic noted.

That is why it is vital that the UNMIK mission take this issue as a priority one, because it is crucial to stop such intentions by Pristina and guarantee those important existential rights to the Kosovo-Metohija Serbs, Petkovic said.

He noted that Kosovo-Metohija Serbs had significant trust in UNMIK's work but also expected the mission's greater visibility and presence on the ground.

The meeting was also attended by the head of the UN Office in Belgrade Dominika Krois.