Serbia’s Deputy Prime Minister, Aleksandar Vulin, is once again in the spotlight for spreading disinformation about the situation in Kosovo. He falsely claimed that there was a supposed escalation of violence and alleged that “Albanians might take advantage of the summer holidays of students at the University of North Mitrovica to attack the north, particularly the bridge over the Ibër River.”
“This year, I expect a tightening in Kosovo until September because I see from the reactions of the Quint (USA, UK, Germany, France, Italy), who only threaten Albin Kurti but do nothing. Usually, when this happens, things take a dangerous turn. Now is the perfect time for the Albanians of Kosovo to attack the north,” said Vulin, adding that “the university in North Mitrovica with 8,000 students, who always protected the bridge between the southern and northern parts of Mitrovica and prevented attacks in the north, is now on summer break.” To create tension and fear among the Serbian population, Vulin falsely claims that Kosovo Albanians are planning an attack in the north. Such claims are baseless and lack evidence.
Additionally, Vulin exaggerates the role of the students in North Mitrovica, portraying them as the main protectors of northern Kosovo alongside the continuous presence of KFOR, the Kosovo Police, and EULEX.
The final works on the Ibër bridge are routine infrastructure projects, not preparations for an attack or an escalation of conflict, as Vulin suggests. This disinformation further contributes to the spread of false information and the incitement of tensions in the region.
Vulin’s criticism that QUINT countries “only threaten but do nothing” is another disinformation. In reality, these countries use diplomatic measures as the first step in preventing conflict and unrest.
Source: Botasot
