The recent statement made by the Serbian Minister of State Administration and Local Self-Government, Snezhana Paunoviq, has generated significant controversy across Kosovo and on the international diplomatic stage. During her remarks, Paunoviq reportedly asserted that she would have undertaken an action described as “ethnically cleansing Kosovo” had she occupied the role of former Serbian President Slobodan Milosevic in 1998. This declaration has prompted immediate and strong condemnation.
Riho Terras, the European Parliament rapporteur for Kosovo, publicly labeled the statement as disgraceful. In a communication on the social network X, Terras warned that the comments severely undermine trust in the ongoing dialogue process that is being facilitated by the European Union. “A disgraceful statement from a Serbian minister, Snezhana Paunoviq.
This seriously damages confidence in the EU-facilitated dialogue,” Terras wrote. The controversy highlights deep divisions regarding the status of Kosovo and the diplomatic path toward resolution. Following the minister’s comments, Kosovo’s chief negotiator in the dialogue with Serbia, Agron Bajrami, issued a subsequent announcement addressing the implications of the exchange.
The incident places renewed pressure on mediators attempting to advance negotiations between Belgrade and Pristina. The international community has reacted to the Serbian official’s declaration by questioning its contribution to stability and dialogue mechanisms aimed at resolving the complex political relationship between the two entities.
Topics: #kosovo #declaration #serbian
