Serbia demands return to ‘status quo ante’ in Kosovo crisis
Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic (C) explains at a press conference about the measures his country plans to take regarding Kosovo, Belgrade, Serbia, September 13, 2024. (AA Photo)
Serbia’s President Aleksandar Vucic has announced that Serbia will demand a return to the “status quo ante” (pre-crisis situation) in the ongoing Belgrade-Pristina Dialogue Process facilitated by the European Union (EU).
No solution contends Serbia
Speaking at a press conference in Belgrade, Vucic outlined the measures Serbia plans to take in response to recent developments regarding Kosovo.
He stated that there is no solution currently available that would satisfy Serbia and emphasized that they will insist on reverting to the pre-crisis situation to address the actions of Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti.
Serbia threatens with diplomatic campaign
Vucic warned that if their demands are not met, Serbia will launch a diplomatic campaign to return to the pre-crisis conditions. Additionally, he mentioned plans to enact a law providing social protection for Kosovo Serbs.
Vucic also said that Serbia will not permit the closure of Serbian institutions in northern Kosovo and will establish a special prosecutor’s office in the region.
He reiterated that Serbia will not recognize Kosovo’s educational institutions and dismissed the idea of annexation, stating it would imply recognizing Kosovo as a sovereign state.
Furthermore, Vucic revealed that he will discuss these measures with EU and U.S. representatives and aims to meet with over 60 leaders by the end of November.
Recent tensions in Kosovo
Recently, Kosovo authorities conducted an operation that led to the closure of five Serbian municipal buildings, the Serbian Post Office, and branches of the Serbian Postal Savings Bank in northern Kosovo.
Additionally, the Kosovo Central Bank’s new regulation, which designates the euro as the sole currency for cash transactions, has ended the use of the Serbian dinar in Kosovo.
The frequent confrontations between Serbia and Kosovo are largely attributed to Serbia’s refusal to recognize Kosovo’s unilateral declaration of independence in 2008.
The Belgrade-Pristina Dialogue Process, initiated in 2011 under EU mediation, seeks to normalize relations and eventually achieve mutual recognition between the two countries.
