Director of the Office for communities of Kosovo PM, Srdjan Popovic, believes that Serbs in Kosovo must fight for their rights that are violated.
Popovic, who is an adviser to Kosovo Prime Minister, said that many rights of the Serbs are violated – from employment in public institutions, economic development, up to the problems of usurped property. In addition to it, the fate of the kidnapped and missing persons is not solved and conditions for the return of the displaced persons were not created. “My message is that we need to work much more and to remain united”, Popovic said.
According to him, the goal of the Serb representatives in the institutions is to fight for a better position of future generations which will live in better conditions, without stereotypes and prejudice. “The unity that we have achieved in politics should be properly transferred to the people. Our voice in the parliament, if unique, will be much stronger. Everyone should be aware: the divisions led us to the previous situation. We need to restore faith of the people; we have gained a good precondition for this. Now we need to act,” said Popovic.
This year, in addition to a number of projects, Office for communities initiated solving of the problem related to the diplomas from the University of North Mitrovica, which is essential for recruitment of the Serbian community. Novelty in the work of the office is internship program in institutions, conducted jointly with the Norwegian Embassy. According to Popovic, the goal is to recruit 100 students and graduates, at central and local level.
Popovic pointed out that the Office cooperates with many embassies and international institutions. Beside its own funds, the Office has opportunity to help Serbian and other communities, from other international funds. Popovic stated that largest donor is Norwegian embassy.
