Djuric: All Decisions on Serb Ticket's Possible Role in Kosovo Government to be Made in Belgrade

Marko Djuric (BETAPHOTO/NENAD PETROVIC)

The director of the Serbian government's Office for Kosovo and Metohija, Mark Djuric, said on Oct. 7 that all decisions, including the one on the Serb Ticket's participation in Kosovo's new cabinet, would be made jointly in Belgrade.

"We always make important arrangements together, in consultation with President Aleksandar Vucic and the Serbian government," Djuric said at a special press conference.

The Serbian government official sent a message to the authorities in Pristina not to count on the party's blank support in setting up the new cabinet, suggesting they should demonstrate respect to the Serb Ticket MPs. "They will have to talk to the Serb Ticket if they want a legitimate government," Djuric said.

When asked if the format of Serbia-Kosovo negotiations could change so as the talks could be run by prime ministers, as requested by the Self Determination party leader, Aljbin Kurti, Djuric called it "a mere technicality." "The dialogue was carried out under the auspices of the EU, and all we wanted was respect. We asked not to be trampled on and abused, we asked them not to introduce new tariffs and barriers, making it impossible to lead a normal life. All we wanted was to talk like normal people," Djuric explained.