Serbia says it wants to “normalize” its relations with Kosovo

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic in his office in Belgrade, January 23, 2022. REUTERS - MARKO DJURICA

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The Serbian president addressed his people on Monday evening to explain the obligation to accept the new Western plan to normalize relations with Kosovo.

A very theatrical speech that worries more than it convinces

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With our special correspondent in Mitrovica,

Simon Rico

It was with a serious face that Aleksandar Vucic spoke at 8 p.m.

"

If we refuse this plan, we will suffer sanctions and isolation

," said the Serbian president, three days after receiving a visit from American and European emissaries at the end of last week.

This plan is the one drawn up by France and Germany, the content of which has still not been made public.

The strong man from Belgrade stressed that if Serbia did not accept, European funds would be blocked and integration too, while insisting on the risk of a return of Schengen visas.

bitters

This speech leaves Kosovo Serbs bitter, like Ana, a teacher who lives in North Mitrovica.

"

I don't believe in any normalization of relations in Kosovo,

" she explains.

We are afraid because the situation is deteriorating day by day.

People are very afraid of what can happen, we only see dark scenarios. 

»

dark future

That very morning, when the Serbian President was taking part in the government session on Kosovo, an incident took place in Leposavic, near Mitrovica: Kosovo special forces shot at the Serbian driver of a vehicle which had refused to stop at their

checkpoint

, seriously injuring him.

For the Serbian community, which feels despised by Pristina, this announcement from Belgrade raises fears of an even darker future.

►Also read: Serbia prepares to deploy military forces to Kosovo border

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  • Serbia

  • Kosovo

  • Aleksandar Vucic

  • Diplomacy

  • European Union