Prime Minister Albin Kurti also claimed that Serbian Defense Minister Miloš Vučević was in charge of this gang, the “Novi Sad Clan”, named after the Serbian city of Novi Sad. In addition, A. Kurti claimed that Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić is connected to this gang.
A. Kurti did not provide any evidence to support his claims and did not elaborate on them. He described the gang as a paramilitary terrorist group.
Belgrade quickly rejected the claims. Serbia‘s defense ministry said it “totally rejects the horrific and brazen lies published by Kurti today” and called on the international community to take action to stop what it says is an inflammatory and dirty campaign by the Kosovo leadership.
Tensions between Serbia and Kosovo rose again on September 24, when clashes erupted after around 30 well-armed Serbs barricaded themselves in an Orthodox monastery in northern Kosovo.
The clashes were among the biggest since Kosovo declared independence from Serbia in 2008. It came as the European Union and the United States tried to mediate and end years of negotiations to normalize relations between the two Balkan states.
On his Facebook page, A. Kurti proposed on Monday that the EU and the US create a special court for the “gangs of Novi Sad”, since Kosovo has no jurisdiction over the territory of Serbia.
Kosovo has accused Serbia of orchestrating the September 24 attack on its former province, whose independence Belgrade does not recognize.
Serbia denies this and has said it suspects Milan Radoicic, the leader of Kosovo’s ethnic Serbs, for the clashes. Earlier this month, he was briefly detained, questioned and released in Serbia.
EU and US envoys visited Kosovo and Serbia on Saturday, urging both countries to resume dialogue on normalizing relations before heightened tensions erupted into more violence.
Kosovo has called on the EU to impose sanctions on Serbia over the September violence and demanded increased security.
window.fbAsyncInit = function() {
FB.init({
appId: ‘117218911630016’,
version: ‘v2.10’,
status: true,
cookie: false,
xfbml: true
});
};
(function(d, s, id) {
var js, fjs = d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];
if (d.getElementById(id)) {
return;
}
js = d.createElement(s);
js.id = id;
js.src = “https://connect.facebook.net/lt_LT/sdk.js”;
fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js, fjs);
}(document, ‘script’, ‘facebook-jssdk’));
#Kosovo #Criminal #gang #linked #Serbian #authorities #September #attack
**Interview with Dr. Elena Marković, Political Analyst on the Kosovo-Serbia Tensions**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Marković. Recent statements from Kosovo’s Prime Minister Albin Kurti have stirred significant controversy, particularly regarding allegations against Serbian officials. What are your initial thoughts on Kurti’s claims that Serbian Defense Minister Miloš Vučević is linked to the “Novi Sad Clan”?
**Dr. Marković:** Thank you for having me. Kurti’s allegations are serious and certainly heighten the already tense atmosphere between Kosovo and Serbia. However, it is concerning that he did not provide any evidence to substantiate such claims. In political discourse, particularly in a region with a complex history, unsupported allegations can escalate tensions and lead to further conflict.
**Editor:** Indeed, the Serbian defense ministry responded swiftly, denouncing Kurti’s statements as “horrific and brazen lies.” What impact do you foresee this back-and-forth might have on diplomatic relations?
**Dr. Marković:** The immediate impact is likely to be a deepening of mistrust between the two sides. Serbia’s rejection of Kurti’s claims exemplifies their position, positioning Kosovo’s leadership as the aggressor. The rhetoric on both sides could hinder any attempts at diplomatic dialogue, especially with major events like clashes in northern Kosovo still fresh in public memory.
**Editor:** Tensions have been rising recently, especially after the unrest following the barricade incident at the Orthodox monastery. How do you think these incidents influence the broader geopolitical landscape of the Balkans?
**Dr. Marković:** Such incidents, particularly when they involve well-armed groups, raise alarms not just within Kosovo and Serbia but throughout the Balkans and beyond. They attract international attention, and when combined with allegations of paramilitary activity, they evoke fears of instability that are reminiscent of the 1990s conflicts. The international community may feel pressured to intervene or mediate, but that often comes with its own set of complexities.
**Editor:** what steps do you believe should be taken by both governments to de-escalate the situation and promote peace?
**Dr. Marković:** Both governments need to engage in open dialogue and work towards transparency. It is crucial for political leaders to avoid incendiary rhetoric and instead focus on building trust. Including international mediators could also play a crucial role in facilitating communication. On the ground, measures to ensure community safety and cooperation between local authorities could help mitigate the risk of further violence.
**Editor:** Thank you, Dr. Marković, for sharing your insights on this complicated situation. It’s evident that a careful approach is needed moving forward.
**Dr. Marković:** Thank you for having me. These issues are paramount, and it’s essential that all parties approach them with caution and care.
Ry. This sort of back-and-forth can derail the ongoing mediation efforts led by the EU and the US, which are crucial for stabilizing the region.
**Editor:** Speaking of the clashes, the recent violence in northern Kosovo involving well-armed Serbs has intensified the situation. How do you assess the security implications of these developments?
**Dr. Marković:** The violence on September 24 was alarming and reminiscent of the serious confrontations we’ve seen in the past. Such incidents not only strain relations but also create a volatile security environment that risks further clashes. Kosovo’s call for increased security measures underscores their concern about Serbia’s influence and actions in these regions. This is particularly relevant given the historical context between the two nations.
**Editor:** Given these tensions, Prime Minister Kurti has proposed the establishment of a special court by the EU and the US to address the situation regarding the “Novi Sad Clan.” Do you think this could be a viable path forward?
**Dr. Marković:** It’s a bold proposal, but whether it’s viable depends on the willingness of the EU and the US to engage in such a manner. Establishing a special court could potentially provide a formal mechanism for addressing serious allegations and enforcing accountability. However, without cooperation from both Serbia and Kosovo, and without substantial evidence, it may result in further complications rather than resolutions.
**Editor:** What do you think is the key to de-escalating the current tensions between the two nations?
**Dr. Marković:** Open dialogue is paramount. Both sides need to engage in constructive conversations, moving away from aggressive rhetoric. Building trust will require a commitment to addressing mutual grievances and, importantly, focusing on shared goals, such as regional security and economic development. The engagement of international mediators is crucial, but ultimately, progress will rely on the political will of both Kosovo and Serbia to move forward.
**Editor:** Thank you, Dr. Marković, for your insights on these pressing issues.
**Dr. Marković:** Thank you for having me; it’s a critical time for the region, and I hope for a peaceful resolution.