Lawyer Arianit Koci has spoken out regarding the arrests of Kosovo citizens in Serbia, stating that Kosovo is facing an “undeclared war” from Serbian authorities. He emphasized that Kosovo’s institutions must demonstrate greater vigilance and engagement to protect citizens arbitrarily detained by Serbia.
Koci criticized Kosovo for underutilizing the 2013 Brussels Agreement, which regulates the exchange of liaison officers between Pristina and Belgrade. He noted that while Serbia has accepted the mechanism, it attempts to minimize its role, and stressed that Kosovo should strengthen its diplomatic leverage, treating the liaison office as a de facto embassy of Kosovo in Serbia.
He praised the work of Ambassador Jetish Jashari at the liaison office in Belgrade, calling it “outstanding”, but highlighted staff shortages and basic infrastructural limitations that hinder its full functionality.
Koci concluded by emphasizing that Kosovo must maximize its diplomatic instruments to protect its citizens and national interests in the face of ongoing Serbian pressure.
