Kosovo’s President Vjosa Osmani has called Serbia’s recent measures concerning Kosovo “destabilization tactics” and emphasized that Serbia cannot alter the unchangeable reality of an independent Kosovo.
“Serbia has no judicial or territorial jurisdiction over Kosovo since 1999. Even before Kosovo declared independence in 2008, Resolution 1244 stripped Yugoslavia of all jurisdiction and initially placed it under civil and military international presence. Since 2008, the only state with jurisdiction over this territory is the Republic of Kosovo, a fact confirmed by the International Court of Justice. These are attempts by Serbia to destabilize Kosovo and the region, driven by a 1990s mentality aimed at undermining neighboring states. However, the reality remains irreversible and unchangeable, and Serbia will achieve nothing with such tactics,” Osmani stated.
Serbia’s New Measures on Kosovo
In October, the Serbian government passed a draft law asserting what it describes as judicial authority to prosecute criminal offenses committed on Kosovo’s territory. Additionally, Serbia declared Kosovo as a “special social protection zone.” Despite international criticism, Serbia has refused to revoke these decisions. Belgrade maintains it will uphold the declaration and pass the law on judicial jurisdiction in Kosovo through its parliament.