Serbs fear a new pogrom (Vecernje Novosti)
The representatives of Serbian people from Kosovo are worried over frequent attacks and destruction of property and they warn that the security situation has severely deteriorated. Serbs are frightened by the incidents, especially from the last two weeks, after the incident with the flag of Greater Albania in Belgrade.
Dalibor Jevtic, returns minister in the Kosovo government argues that the security situation in Kosovo and Metohija is fragile and the situation on the ground can change literally overnight: “Due to the unstable situation in the field I urge politicians to give more moderate statements, so that citizens would not have to suffer the consequences. Serbs, who are living in areas where they are minority, are particularly at risk.
Goran Rakic, mayor of the northern Kosovska Mitrovica, says that the Serbs are very upset about the recent incidents: “Unfortunately, for us this is nothing new. We got used to the escalation of violence due to the most trivial reason. Security organs in Kosovo are not committed to providing peace and stability. It is inconceivable that the international community has so far failed to condemn any of the latest incidents, which are aimed against the Serbs in the province.
Dragan Nikolic, the mayor of Partes municipality in Kosovo Morava District, also estimates that the greatest responsibility is on the international community: “The situation on the ground is tense and it seems that Albanians are just waiting for an appropriate moment, what can cause escalation of the conflict, such as the March events of 2004. I really do not think that Albanians will ever become tolerant and I think they will attack us as long we are living here,” estimated mayor Nikolic.
Branimir Stojanovic, Mayor of Gracanica, says that the situation is tense: “Serbs are in a huge fear because many unfortunate events in the past, in which the victims were Serbs, started out from the atmosphere which is similar to the current atmosphere in Kosovo. I am afraid that it is possible repetition of violence against Serbs, like the March pogrom of 2004.
The incident from the match Serbia - Albania was transferred to daily life. In Kosovo, these days, one can buy t-shirts with the image of the first Albanian pilot (which resembles the drone with the flag from the football game), while similar photos can be seen on the windows of the vehicles. Otherwise, a similar panel with the drone and the Albanian flag i.e. the image of the first Albanian pilot was hanged at the municipal building in the centre of Decani/Decan.