MPJ: Republic of Kosovo will not fear Serbia's threats

According to the MPJD, this statement is not only aggressive and threatening, but constitutes open violations of the Brussels Agreement, which it says Serbia has claimed to accept, but has refused in order to sign.

“Making such statements, Serbia undermines its commitments to building good neighbourly relations with Kosovo and to recognising Kosovo institutions and legal framework as the only valid authorities within our country”.

Furthermore, Serbia's rhetoric is filled with hegemonistic tones, as it tries to present itself as the dominant power in the Western Balkans, seeking explanations from Croatia and Albania two sovereign states, both NATO members, with Croatia also a member of the European Union”.

“This behavior is completely unacceptable and constitutes another violation of the Brussels Agreement, which clearly predicts Serbia will not prevent Kosovo's international relations and will not pretend to speak on behalf of Kosovo in relations with states and other organisations”, the MPJD reaction said.

Furthermore, the foreign ministry said Serbia's bid to present itself as the “blessing peace in the Balkans” is absurd, since it said that no state in the region and wider has contributed more to the destabilisation of the Western Balkans than Serbia.

From its direct involvement in the wars of aggression in the 1990s that resulted in genocide and ethnic cleansing in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia and Kosovo to its continued threats, military gathering near Kosovo's borders and support for criminal and terrorist networks operating in northern Kosovo, Serbia remains the biggest threat to regional security”.

Furthermore, Serbia's claim for neutrality is hypocrisy, taking into account its deepening political and military relations with authoritarian regimes such as Russia and Iran, all states that pose serious threats to regional and global security. As the democratic world remains united against aggression, Serbia continues to line up with non-democratic countries working actively against stability in Europe and beyond,”, it is further said in response.

In turn, the MPJD said that instead of issuing aggressive and deeply misleading statements, Serbia should focus on respecting the agreements it has claimed to accept, give up its hegemonistic ambitions and take real steps to become a responsible actor in the region, starting with recognition of Kosovo's independence and sovereignty.

Furthermore, before Serbia gives lessons to others about peace and stability, it must open its classified wartime archives so that its crimes can face justice”.

“Especially, the classified archives of the Yugoslav Army's 38th Motorised Brigade, which has committed numerous war crimes and massacres in Kosovo, especially in Drenica during 1998-1999, must be made public and those responsible to take responsibility before the law. Without justice for the victims, there can be no real peace and reconciliation in the region”.

The Republic of Kosovo will not fear Serbia's threats and will continue to strengthen its international security and partnerships in co-operation with its allies”, it says in response.