FM: Normalization with Pristina Is Euphemism for End to Pressure on Serbs in Kosovo  

Marko Djuric (mfa.gov.rs)

Serbian Foreign Minister Marko Djuric stated on Nov. 12 that, for Serbia, normalization of relations with Pristina was a euphemism of the demand for an end to pressure against the Serbs in Kosovo.

“When we speak about normalization, this is our euphemism of the demand for an end to almost three years of the campaign of unprecedented pressure against the Serb community in Kosovo,” he stated during the Adria Summit at Palace Serbia, organized by EuroNews Serbia. He stated that the establishment in Pristina was not oriented toward dialogue with Belgrade, that they viewed it as an unavoidable obstruction and unnecessary and that “they create a new political map by unilateral moves.”

Djuric pointed out that great powers viewed the Western Balkans as a region and, in a far lesser extent, through bilateral relations, and that joint lobbying attracted greater attention, investments and innovation. Djuric also commented on the sanctions against the Serbian oil company NIS, saying that Serbia was making sure to gradually diversify its energy supply. Djuric further stated that Hungary’s exception from U.S. sanctions on crude oil supplies was great news for the region.