Jevtiq: Association is vital issue for Serbs in Kosovo

Jevtic added that, under the circumstances created, Vuciq managed to fight for what is best at the moment, which, according to Jevtiqi, is preserving peace, securing a high degree of autonomy through the Association of Serbian municipalities.

We had no doubt that Vuciq would fight for the interests of the Serbian people living in Kosovo in the best possible way. For this reason Vuciq has the largest possible support of the Serbian people in Kosovo, but even wider”, Yevtic said, Blic newspaper reported.

He said that anyone who opposes what President Vuciq spoke about is at odds with Serbian interests.

We may have different desires, but we need to understand the circumstances. What the opposition is doing in Belgrade and all those who announced there would be capitulation in Brussels is catastrophic for our interests... And now, when nothing has been signed, they have different reasonings and continue to harm Serbia's interests. Whatever happens, they'll always attack the Vuchy because he's their only target. This is catastrophic”, Jevtic said.

He stressed that the Serb people in Kosovo know what reality is and that people know that Association will provide them with a better life in the future, so it is important to start the process of forming it.

Jevtic said it is in everyone's interest, which President Vuciq insists on, to ensure the free circulation of people and goods.

“Everything is positive, there are difficult things, but Vuciq said what are red lines”, Yevtic added.

He stressed that Serbia today is economically and politically stronger in international relations than it was in the period of the past government.

“It is no coincidence that the Serb people in Kosovo most trust Vuciqi, because he showed this through dialogue and previous agreement in Brussels, which everyone attacked and was the only one who had the courage to come to Mitrovica and say what happened, everyone is calling for that agreement because it is seen that we have had peace and stability. And now, all those who attack Vucinqi, and when the Association is formed, they'll see they're wrong”, he's convinced Yevtic.

He said that if someone wants to continue the dialogue constructively, with certainty that what has been agreed will be implemented, then all that has been agreed upon must be implemented, meaning Association and 22 principles for its formation.

“Those who say that something is not in accordance with the Constitution should know that no one goes to Brussels to agree to something that is in existing laws, but to agree on what will ensure the security and life of Serbs”, Jevtic said.

He also stressed that he encourages Washington's official stance, which is insisting on implementing the previously signed agreement and is repeating that association is a vital issue for Serbs in Kosovo.

When you see what the Serbian people will offer, without jeopardising the interests of others, it is clear that the association will enable greater stability through health, education, financing, development of our communities, the use of resources we have in Serb majority municipalities. Now we're in the face of attacks and pressure, because we don't have enough defense mechanisms. You see what's happening about expropriation, what judicial procedures are under way, and the Ivan Todosijevich case... All these must be resolved through a broader autonomy, which must be taken through the association”, Jevtic said.

He says convinced that Washington is most likely to influence Albanian representatives to implement certain things because, he says, he is still skeptical of association, or is not sure that Kurti will eventually establish it.

I wish he would deny me. As Escobar said, there's a lot of work ahead. I've been in Washington lately, I've noticed different tones, I've seen that attitude towards Serbia is different. This is mostly due to President Vuciq, who managed to gain confidence through wise politics and above all honest relations. Now the US's stance on this issue is different. Should we be sure that this is how the US's stance on the Kosovo issue will remain? What is current is that the relationship has changed because of Kurti's actions, which has been shown as someone who is unwilling to approach this process constructively”, Jevtic said.