REQUEST TO UN FOR PROTECTING SERBS’ RIGHTS IN KOSOVO AND METOHIJA

BELGRADE, JULY 8 /SRNA/ - Representatives of the Serb List today, during a meeting in Kosovska Mitrovica, requested from Miroslav Jenča, UN Assistant Secretary-General for Europe, Central Asia, and the Americas, that the UN take concrete steps to protect the fundamental human rights and freedoms of Serbs in Kosovo and Metohija.

The Serb List delegation, headed by its leader Zlatan Elek, pointed out to Jenča that Serbs in Kosovo and Metohija are constantly exposed to institutional pressures, politically motivated arrests, ethnically motivated attacks, threats to the property of the Serbian Orthodox Church /SOC/, and organised provocations by the Priština authorities. During the meeting, Elek presented numerous specific examples, particularly highlighting the unacceptable violence carried out through police and judicial institutions under the direct control of /the Prime Minister of the self-declared Kosovo/ Albin Kurti, and the politically motivated proceedings aimed at intimidating and demoralizing the Serbs, according to the Serb List’s statement. He also pointed out the pressures on healthcare workers, teachers, civil servants, and political representatives, as well as the unacceptable construction of new bridges on the Ibar River without consultation with the Serb community, which is perceived as a symbol of division and provocation, rather than integration. The UN was asked to use its authority to emphasize the need to return to dialogue, ensure legal security, and respect UN Security Council Resolution 1244. Representatives of the Serb List made a clear appeal to representatives of the international community to finally respond to institutional and political violence, and not to remain silent observers while the social and security situation of the Serbian people in Kosovo and Metohija continues to deteriorate before their eyes, the statement said. The Serb List emphasized that they would continue to be the voice of their people and protect their interests both domestically and internationally.