Kosovo PM Kurti criticizes Serbian war crimes denial

Kosovo’s Prime Minister Albin Kurti condemned Serbian officials for denying war crimes committed during the Bosnian War and Kosovo War, warning that such denials signal a potential for future atrocities on Friday.

Speaking at a meeting organized by the Krug 99 Independent Intellectuals Association at Sarajevo’s Vijecnica Library, Kurti emphasized the importance of remembering the past to prevent repetition in the future.

Kurti expressed his pleasure in being in Sarajevo, noting that the city holds countless stories of struggle and victory. He paid tribute to Bosnia and Herzegovina’s first president, Alija Izetbegovic, recalling his words during the Bosnian War: “Bosnia did not emerge after the collapse of Yugoslavia, it has existed for six centuries.” Kurti lauded Izetbegović as a great intellectual and visionary.

Stating that he arrived in Sarajevo as “a friend,” Kurti highlighted the shared values of democracy, human rights, and the rule of law between Kosovo and Bosnia and Herzegovina. He noted the common historical ties and a mutual European future for the two countries. “Kosovo owes Bosnia in many ways,” he said, referring to the global intervention to halt the genocide in Kosovo following the atrocities committed during the Bosnian War. Kurti pointed out that NATO intervened in Bosnia after the Srebrenica massacre in the war’s fourth year, but intervened in Kosovo earlier, influenced by the events in Bosnia.

He criticized Serbia’s continued denial of war crimes committed in both Bosnia and Kosovo, particularly the atrocities in Srebrenica and Reçak. “Top Serbian officials have denied the crimes in Srebrenica and Reçak. Serbia continues to deny the genocide in both Kosovo and Bosnia. This denial shows that, if given the opportunity, they would repeat these acts,” Kurti stated. He emphasized the need to demonstrate to Serbia that such actions will not be tolerated.

In his remarks, Kurti also underscored the importance of European Union membership for Kosovo. He stressed the need to focus on economic growth and social development, aiming to contribute to the European community. He called for the promotion of democracy and the rule of law, highlighting the threat posed by organized crime and illegal activities in the region. He argued that as inequalities in society decrease, social bonds strengthen, and Kosovo’s independence and freedom have brought economic benefits.

Addressing regional peace, Kurti warned against separatist tendencies in the Balkans, urging increased cooperation between Bosniaks and Albanians to promote stability in the region.

Krug 99’s president, Adil Kulenovic, thanked Kurti for his participation in the event.

However, Kurti’s visit has sparked a backlash from Serbian officials in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Zeljka Cvijanovic, President of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Presidency and a Serbian member, expressed dissatisfaction with the visit, noting that Bosnia does not recognize Kosovo. She added that if Kurti wished to visit Bosnia, he should have done so privately rather than engaging with state institutions. Milorad Dodik, president of the Serb Republic (RS), also condemned Kurti’s visit, calling it a “provocation.”