Serbian Politician Claims Belgrade Pushing for Independent Kosovo Through Serb Municipalities

Momčilo Trajković, a prominent Serbian politician, has accused Belgrade of working towards creating an independent Kosovo by advocating for the establishment of the Community of Serb Municipalities (ZSO). Trajković's claims come amidst ongoing tensions and mistrust between Belgrade and Pristina, as well as between Kosovo Serb communities and Pristina authorities.

In a recent statement, Trajković highlighted that even 11 years after the Brussels agreement, the ZSO has not been established, leaving the Serbian population in Kosovo facing legal and physical violence. He accused the authorities in Pristina of creating unbearable conditions for Serbs and other non-Albanians, stating that the current UNMIK report fails to adequately reflect the seriousness of the situation on the ground.

Trajković pointed out that the February 8th UN Security Council session was held at Serbia's request due to Pristina's actions threatening international peace and stability. He noted that the majority of Security Council members expressed deep concern for the situation of non-Albanians in Kosovo.

The Serbian politician also criticized the abolition of the use of the Serbian dinar in Kosovo, which he claims has dramatically affected the daily lives of Serbs and other non-Albanians. Trajković accused the government of Albin Kurti of implementing a chauvinistic agenda and sabotaging the dialogue, calling for Pristina to be sanctioned for the alleged brutal repression of Serbs.

The Special Representative of the Secretary-General (SRSG) Caroline Ziadeh has emphasized the importance of resolving long-standing issues between Belgrade and Pristina, and between Kosovo Serb communities and Pristina authorities, through open communication and dialogue. Ziadeh expressed dissatisfaction with the level of progress in the political dialogue and its direct effects on the security situation, highlighting the high level of mistrust that needs to be addressed.

Why this matters: The ongoing tensions and mistrust between Belgrade and Pristina, as well as the unresolved issues surrounding the establishment of the Community of Serb Municipalities, have far-reaching implications for the stability and security of the region. The international community, including the UN Security Council, has expressed concern over the situation, underscoring the need for constructive dialogue and the protection of minority rights in Kosovo.

Serbian President Alexander Vuçiq has also complained that Kosovo is not forming the Association of Municipalities with a Serbian Majority, as agreed upon, making everyday life difficult for Serbs and other minorities in Kosovo. Ziadeh reiterated UNMIK's support for the EU-facilitated Dialogue as the forum to find a consensual resolution on outstanding issues, including the establishment of the Association/Community of Serb-majority Municipalities. She also commended the Pristina leadership for taking action to fully implement the high court decision of 2016, affirming the property rights of the Visoki Dečani Monastery, which she said "significantly contributes to inter-community trust and public confidence in the rule of law."

Key Takeaways

• Trajković accuses Belgrade of working to create independent Kosovo via ZSO.
• Serbs in Kosovo face legal, physical violence due to lack of ZSO establishment.
• UN Security Council expressed concern over Pristina's actions threatening regional stability.
• Abolition of Serbian dinar use dramatically affects Serbs and non-Albanians in Kosovo.
• UNMIK supports EU-facilitated dialogue to resolve outstanding issues, including ZSO.