Acting Prime Minister Albin Kurti has called on the European Union and NATO to impose sanctions on Serbia, accusing President Aleksandar Vučić of persecuting Serbs in northern Kosovo who have chosen to integrate into the country’s institutions rather than obey Belgrade’s orders.
Kurti’s remarks came after the alleged abduction and assault of a Kosovo Serb citizen in Leposavić, reportedly by Serbian gendarmerie operating inside Kosovo’s territory.
In an exclusive statement to Tëvë1, Kurti said that Vučić has launched a campaign of intimidation against Serbs who cooperate with Kosovo’s government.
“Our northern neighbor is not only an aggressor but also aggressive. Serbia continually engages in attacks, threats, and provocations. It is now clear that Serbia has surrendered to the Republic of Kosovo and to the Albanian people. Today, it targets Serbs who have integrated into Kosovo’s institutions — those who work for the good of their community but do not hold membership cards of Vučić’s party,” Kurti declared.
Kurti accused Serbia of aligning itself with Moscow rather than Europe, emphasizing the stark contrast between the two neighboring countries:
“Kosovo and Serbia are neighboring states — Kosovo is a democratic country, committed to peace, law, and order, while Serbia is an autocratic and hostile state oriented toward the northeast, toward the Kremlin, driven by expansionist and hegemonic ambitions in the Balkans. We are aligned with the West, with the European Union and NATO.”
Speaking from northern Mitrovica, Kurti reiterated his demand for international pressure and sanctions against Serbia, calling it a threat to the stability of the entire Balkan region.
“It is essential that the international community, especially the European Union and NATO, exert pressure on Belgrade and place Serbia under sanctions. Serbia is targeting Serbs in Kosovo who wish to live in peace and freedom — citizens for whom our government is the guarantor. I am not only the Prime Minister of Albanians, but also of others, including Serbs, who make up around 4% of Kosovo’s population.”
Kurti also issued a direct appeal to the Serb community in the north, urging cooperation with Kosovo’s authorities:
“Constitutionality, legality, peace, and security will prevail across our Republic. Kosovo’s institutions — in both security and social aspects — will stand with all citizens, without discrimination or favoritism. I call on Serbs in northern Mitrovica to cooperate with Kosovo’s state institutions because they too contribute through taxes, and our police and officials serve all citizens professionally and equally.”
The abduction of Milan Vukašinović on November 1 in Leposavić is currently under investigation by Kosovo’s law enforcement authorities.
