Serbian PM calls on NGOs to address Kosovo, Metohija 'Serbs torture'

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
22 Dec 2022 00:07
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Prime Minister Ana Brnabic has called on NGOs to address the torture experienced by Serbs in Kosovo and Metohija.

Prime Minister Ana Brnabic (Getty Images)

Prime Minister Ana Brnabic has called on NGOs, which are part of the National Convention, to address the torture experienced by Serbs in Kosovo and Metohija; she spoke at the National Convention in the Serbian parliament.

Brnabic pointed out the importance of everyone preserving peace: "We are on the brink of an armed conflict thanks to Pristina's unilateral moves. Civil society organizations, please speak out about the torture experienced by Serbs in Kosovo and Metohija. We must preserve the peace together."

In her address, Brnabic asked where in Europe is it possible not to have information about a man, Dejan Pantic, who has been arrested for 12 days.

She explained that no one knows where Pantic is, and no one knows if he received therapy. The family have not heard from him. She went on to say that the head of EULEX - which is the European Union Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo - responds to all this by noting that they don't know where he is, 'and what are you doing in Kosovo and Metohija?' To what extent is that humanly okay with you, asked the Prime Minister.

She then argued that the arrest of Dejan Pantic as well as the preservation of the Brussels Agreement and the formation of the Community of Serbian Municipalities is the reason why Serbs are stationed at the barricades.

"No matter how different we are, we should insist on human rights and give peace a chance. They will react differently when they hear you. Please, these are things that are important to us for peace and European integration process", Brnabić pointed out.

Serbia ready to send troops to Kosovo if request to KOFR approved

Last week, Serbian Defense Minister Milos Vucevic stated that his country's armed forces are prepared to deploy soldiers to Kosovo and Metohija in case the request made to the NATO-led Kosovo Force (KFOR) is approved.

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic said that the country will formally send a request on December 15 to the KFOR for approval to send Serbian military and police forces to Kosovo, however, this request will probably be dismissed.

"In accordance with UN Security Council Resolution 1244, we will send a request to the KFOR commander to arrange for the deployment of the Serbian army and police contingent in Kosovo and Metohija," Vucic said while addressing the nation and reading out the relevant paragraph of the Security Council resolution.

"Of course, I have no illusions, and I know that they will deny this request. And I'm telling you that in advance," Vucic stressed, noting that it was still necessary to try.