Serb representatives to boycott Brussels agreement? (Vecernje Novosti)
The Government against the announced radical measures, because they endanger interest of our people.
Political representatives of Serbs from the northern Kosovo will decide today whether they will respond to the recent moves and pressures of EULEX with interruption of implementation of the Brussels agreement. Official Belgrade responds that one should not resort to radical measures, because agreements reached with Pristina, with EU as a guarantor, are the best protection of the Serbian interest in the province.
Tensions in north are again raised due to recent moves of EULEX and pressures on family members of current and former Mayors of Zubin Potok, Stevan Vulovic and Slavisa Ristic. In Mitrovica and Zubin Potok yesterday appeared posters with messages against EULEX, "EULEX go home" and "EULEX, the enemy of Serbian people".
North Mitrovica Mayor Goran Rakic says to Novosti that moves of EULEX citizens see as pressure on the Serbian community:
- This is not about the mayor’s self-will, but about citizens’ anger and rage towards EULEX that has double standards when it comes to court cases. While Albanians charged for terrorism and the most serious crime are released on bail, Vulovic and Ristic are accused of obstructing members of EULEX in their tasks. Such EULEX behaviour my endanger implementation of the Brussels agreement in the field.
Dragan Jablanovic, Mayor of Leposavic, explains that at a meeting today will be discussed further steps if the new situation is not resolved:
- On a regular meeting with EULEX and Kosovo Police, with regard to the security situation, we have transferred citizens’ dissatisfaction and we expect fast response. Our position will depend from EULEX further moves. We will consult and with the office for KiM on everything, having in mind our state interests.
EULEX reacted yesterday, but only on posters not on accusations of Serb political representatives.
- It is abhorrent that the EU as a long-time fighter for freedom, democracy and the rule of law, is connected to the flag of the Nazi regime - said Miguel Carvalho de Faria, Head of Press and Public Information in EULEX.
Milovan Drecun, President of the Parliamentary Committee for Kosovo and Metohija, says to Novosti that reaction of Kosovo Serbs to all what is happening is understandable, but that international presence in the province is necessary.
- Cooperation with EULEX, despite all the problems, is important for the security of the Serbian people. Discontinuation of the Brussels agreement is not a solution, because only through dialogue and respect of the agreed our nation and state interests in the province can be protected.