Former US Ambassador and head of the OSCE Verification Mission in Kosovo, William Walker, has expressed profound shock and condemnation following statements made by Serbian Minister of Public Administration Snežana Paunović.
Walker—who in 1999 famously documented the Reçak Massacre, exposing the atrocities of the Kosovo War to the global community—described Paunović’s televised remarks as “one of the most fascist statements” he has heard in years. His reaction comes after Paunović publicly declared that had she been in the position of Slobodan Milošević in 1998, she would have launched an ethnic cleansing campaign in Kosovo a year earlier.
Walker Questions Minister’s Humanity
Speaking exclusively to Kosovar outlet Gazeta Express, the veteran diplomat was visibly stunned by the minister’s historical revisionism. He noted that advocating for ethnic cleansing goes far beyond mere ignorance, raising severe concerns about the moral character of Serbian state leadership.
“Oh my God, where did she make this statement? I think it is probably one of the most fascist statements I have heard in years, not just sheer stupidity. To suggest that Milošević did not launch the genocide early enough—I simply cannot believe anyone could say such a foolish thing. If she truly made such a statement, I think someone needs to examine her rationality and the quality of her humanity.”
— William Walker, Former US Ambassador
Defining a “War Criminal”
Walker emphasized that because ethnic cleansing is a recognized war crime under international law, publicly advocating for it serves as self-indictment. He drew a direct line between Paunović’s worldview and that of Slobodan Milošević, who died while on trial for war crimes and genocide at The Hague.
[ The Definition of a War Crime ]
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[ International Law ] [ The Self-Indictment ]
• Ethnic cleansing is classified • By stating she would have carried out
as an undisputed war crime. ethnic cleansing in 1998, Walker argues
• Defined by systematic expulsions. Paunović acts as "an honest war criminal."
“If she says she would have committed a war crime before Milošević—who was one of Europe’s greatest criminals at the time—then what does that make her? This proves very well what she is,” Walker asserted, labeling her an “honest war criminal” for openly admitting to genocidal intent.
Belgrade’s Unchanged Path
The former ambassador concluded by expressing concern over the lack of political evolution within the Serbian capital. Walker noted that the current political climate in Belgrade appears to harbor the same dangerous ideologies that tore the Balkans apart in the 1990s.
“I am shocked. I am trying to absorb what you just told me. It is the statement of an honest war criminal. I hope she never gets the chance to implement her thoughts. It seems Belgrade hasn’t changed much,” Walker concluded.
