Vucic: Pristina's unilateral measures generating serious pressure on Serbs

BELGRADE - Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic met with the EU's special envoy for the Belgrade-Pristina dialogue Peter Sorensen on Thursday, and said that, during the discussion, he had noted that Pristina's unilateral measures, as well as its enforcement of regulations without taking into account the actual circumstances on the ground and without an agreement reached in Brussels, generated serious pressure on the Serbs and vital Serbian institutions in Kosovo-Metohija.

"A substantial discussion with Peter Sorensen about key issues that are a burden to relations in the region. We exchanged views on the current situation in Kosovo-Metohija, with special focus on the security of Serbs, as well as on the enormous uncertainty in which they live, in view of selective application of various regulations and evident discrimination in nearly all spheres of life.

I noted that Pristina's unilateral measures, as well as enforcement of regulations without taking into account the actual circumstances on the ground and without an agreement reached in Brussels, generate serious pressure on the Serbs and vital Serbian institutions in Kosovo-Metohija," Vucic posted on his buducnostsrbijeav Instagram account.

Vucic noted that Serbia remained firmly committed to dialogue as the only sustainable path to solving outstanding issues, but that it also expected concrete engagement by actors in Pristina on implementing already reached agreements.

"I especially noted the significance of forming a Community of Serb Municipalities as a key element for safeguarding the rights and the security of our people, which is a commitment that must be met without further delays.

I pointed out the fact that unilateral moves by Pristina continue to escalate tensions further and jeopardise fragile stability on the ground, directly undermining the dialogue process," Vucic posted.

He added that he had reiterated that a strong and consistent EU engagement was key for preventing such activities and for ensuring that no move is aimed at obstructing the dialogue, but at creating the conditions for it to proceed without obstructions and in a constructive manner.

"I thanked Peter Sorensen for his commitment to the dialogue and reiterated that Serbia will continue to act in a responsible and constructive manner, safeguarding its national interests but also contributing to stability of the entire region.

I expressed the belief that open and continued communication with international partners is essential for finding lasting and sustainable solutions in the interest of peace, security and the future of all citizens," Vucic concluded.