Serbian politician Nikola Sandulovic says that Kosovo must consider all possible uncontrolled and unreasonable moves by Aleksandar Vučić and the assembly held in Belgrade known as the “All-Serbian Assembly.”
Sandulovic, who was brutally beaten in January this year in the premises of the Serbian BIA because of his visit to the “Adem Jashari” complex in Kosovo, during which he also laid a wreath at the monument, declares that he has physically recovered but is far from mental recovery.
In an interview with the newspaper “Bota Sot,” Sandulovic states that the perpetrators of the attack on him have not been arrested and, according to him, were not even questioned.
In the interview, the Serbian politician also talks about the conversation he overheard during the beating about a “war in Kosovo,” the association of Serb-majority municipalities, the resolution recognizing Serbian genocide in Kosovo, and the regulation of Kosovo-Serbia relations.
Full Interview
Bota Sot: Mr. Sandulovic, several months have passed since the day you were beaten in the premises of the Agency for Security and Information (BIA). First, tell us about your health condition, both physically and psychologically. Then, let’s talk about the steps that have been taken regarding your case. Has anyone been arrested for the violence against you?
Nikola Sandulovic: Thank you for your interest and question about my health. Thanks to the help I received from all over the world and the engagement of specialist doctors, along with daily exercises and medical treatment, I feel much better. Physical recovery is already visible, but mentally I am still far from recovery. I dream of the day when, upon coming to power, I will bring them to justice and fully judge them mentally, I have not forgotten what they did to me.
Bota Sot: Have any steps been taken regarding your case by the justice authorities in Serbia? Has anyone been arrested for the violence against you?
Nikola Sandulovic: None of the criminals, murderers, and terrorists who participated in my kidnapping, torture, and humiliation for hours, attempted murder, and imprisonment have been questioned or arrested.
Bota Sot: According to reports, the whole incident started after you posted a video on social media “X” from your visit to the “Adem Jashari” complex in Kosovo, where you laid a wreath at the monument where 50 members of Adem Jashari’s family, one of the founders of the KLA, were killed in 1998. Do you receive threats for your action and how safe do you feel in Serbia because of this action?
Nikola Sandulovic: The threats are daily and very specific, not only do they threaten me with murder, but also my wife and daughter with rape and murder.
Bota Sot: You have stated that after the brutal act of violence against you, Rakić is behind it, but you have also mentioned the names of Radoičić, Veselović, and Zenelović. All these people are free, and their names are also mentioned for the destabilization of northern Kosovo, including the terrorist attack on September 24 in Banjska, Zvečan. Who should deal with these people since they are protected by Serbia itself? Should international countries take steps against them?
Nikola Sandulovic: INTERPOL and all international factors fighting organized crime and terrorism should deal with these criminals, murderers, and terrorists. It is clear that they are the extended arm of the dictatorial Serbian government and that they will not be held accountable in Serbia for any wrongdoing they commit. Therefore, I believe it is now in the hands of the EU, the USA, and the UK to bring these criminals to justice and prevent them from committing new potential crimes.
Bota Sot: During the beating, you heard a possible war in Kosovo mentioned. We see cases where Serbia is buying weapons, training soldiers even near the Kosovo border. What is your comment on these?
Nikola Sandulovic: It is true that during my hours-long torture and beatings, those criminals in the BIA premises said that when the war in Kosovo begins, they will first rape my wife and daughter and send them with me to the front line to be killed by “transporters.” Any normal person and responsible politician knows that war only brings death, hatred, and destruction. That is why my political and human fight has become my life’s mission to do everything possible to prevent this from happening again. War brings misfortune to everyone and all those who are aware must prevent it at any cost.
Bota Sot: Threatening statements are also not lacking from the Serbian political sphere. Their goal is the “Serbian world,” and according to reports, steps are already being taken towards it, referring to the “All-Serbian Assembly” held in Belgrade. What can Kosovo expect from these statements, and why does Serbia continue with this approach?
Nikola Sandulovic: Kosovo must consider all possible uncontrolled and unreasonable moves by Aleksandar Vučić that will follow due to that gathering, because only he and Milorad Dodik know its background, and certainly their real boss Putin, who stands behind them. I think a lot will happen after the US elections and will be conditioned and linked to the further development of the conflict between NATO and Russia. I think the ALL-SERBIAN PARLIAMENT showed a lot and what the ultimate goals of Aleksandar Vučić and Milorad Dodik are in Gazimestan directed by the war criminal Slobodan Milošević. Kosovo should not be particularly alarmed about this issue, but I certainly think this meeting is a greater risk to the sovereignty and survival of the current BH. Anyway, I am against such a gathering with clear nationalist messages that certainly do not contribute to peace and stability in the Region.
Bota Sot: While we are on destabilizing statements, a few weeks ago in Kosovo, two citizens were arrested for reporting to the Serbian BIA. How far has the Serbian BIA managed to install its spies in Kosovo, and could the Banjska case be linked to these spies?
Nikola Sandulovic: When we talk about the Serbian BIA, I cannot comment on it as a security pillar of a country, which would be justified for any such security agency anywhere in the world, but from my personal experience and their daily actions in Serbia and abroad, I can comment and perceive it as a criminal organization that works exclusively in the interest and protection of the ruling regime and the current Serbian dictator. With my experience with them, I cannot predict and comment on their actions and intentions, because they do not operate as a national security service but as an organized criminal organization.
Bota Sot: The association of Serb-majority municipalities is an issue that ‘clashes’ Kosovo and Serbia, but also Kosovo and internationals. A version of the Serbian Republic in Kosovo is excluded by the Kosovo side. How do you see this agreement and what would be the solution?
Nikola Sandulovic: In the conversation with the Prime Minister of Kosovo, Albin Kurti, I saw that he has a desire to solve the issue, but in accordance with the equal rights of all citizens of Kosovo and in accordance with the Constitution of the Republic of Kosovo, which to me is a completely concrete and correct solution for everyone, both Albanians and Serbs. I believe that in the opposite solution, with the recognition of the community of Serbian municipalities outside the institutions of the Republic of Kosovo and its Constitution, where the rights of Serbs and all minorities are clearly defined, it would only be another unsolved situation that would escalate over the years into the same problem now called Republika Srpska. First, Serbia and Kosovo need to publicly determine all the agreements they have had in writing and verbally, solve the status of Kosovo as an internationally recognized state, and only then, in accordance with the laws and Constitution of the Republic of Kosovo, determine the formation of communities of Serbian municipalities in Kosovo. Otherwise, what would happen if the majority Albanian population living in Serbia in the municipalities of Bujanovac, Medveđa, and Preševo requested the formation of a community of Albanian municipalities in Serbia, where the majority of residents are Albanians? Now imagine if the Muslims in Serbia, who make up the majority of the population in Sandžak, or the Hungarians in Vojvodina, asked for the same thing? Where would all this lead us? In which European country do you have an independent community of a minority population that demands special rights, features, and independence within a state? Aleksandar Vučić consciously does not solve this issue and with this issue, he is hindering the solution and reconciliation between the Serbian and Albanian people.
Bota Sot: Serbia continues to hinder Kosovo in various fields, and the last step was not including it on the Council of Europe’s agenda for membership in the CoE. Even internationals are requesting the formation of the association in exchange for membership. How do you see these developments and is Vučić being ‘coddled’ by internationals?
Nikola Sandulovic: Over the years of his rule, Aleksandar Vučić found “soft spots” in the EU and the USA that tolerate his outbursts thanks to very questionable and lucrative personal relationships with him. This “coddling” is intertwined due to many personal benefits and the current situation in Ukraine, in which Serbia does not play an insignificant and small role in its armament. If we add to this the interests pushed by RIO TINTO and the collective personal benefits of individuals from the EU from the large EXPO investment in Serbia, then their silence on not imposing sanctions against Russia, the dictatorship in Serbia, the terrorist occupation of Banjska, the attempted murder of the Kosovo Minister of Police in the north, and the prevention of Kosovo’s entry into the Council of Europe.
Bota Sot: On June 29, the European Parliament adopted a resolution recognizing Serbian genocide in Kosovo and asking for the same recognition from the Assembly of Serbia, which was not well received in Belgrade. What is your position on this resolution and how does it influence Kosovo-Serbia relations?
Nikola Sandulovic: The resolution of the European Parliament recognizing the genocide against the Albanian people in Kosovo is important and represents a step forward in recognizing the facts and the historical reality of the region. Such resolutions also have the power to remind the current generation of the events of the past, fostering reconciliation and promoting a commitment to peace and mutual respect. However, it is essential for both Kosovo and Serbia to work together towards a constructive dialogue, addressing their differences in a diplomatic manner, and building a future based on mutual respect and cooperation.
Bota Sot: Despite all the issues mentioned, there is a need to regulate relations between Kosovo and Serbia. What would be the right way to achieve a sustainable agreement between the two countries?
Nikola Sandulovic: The first step is the recognition of the sovereignty and independence of Kosovo by Serbia. This step would lay the groundwork for all future agreements and ensure that both countries respect each other’s territorial integrity and sovereignty. Following this, comprehensive dialogue facilitated by international mediators should focus on various aspects including minority rights, economic cooperation, cultural exchanges, and regional security. Transparent and honest negotiations, along with the implementation of previously agreed-upon terms, will be crucial in building trust and ensuring the durability of any agreement. Additionally, active involvement and support from international organizations such as the EU and the UN will play a significant role in maintaining and monitoring the peace process.
