In an almost hour-long speech during a visit to the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Sarajevo, Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti leveled a series of accusations against Serbia — calling it the "most kitsch state", accusing it of terrorism and genocide. He also claimed that Serbia aimed for a "religious war" in Banjska while praising Kosovo's police for not falling for it. Pročitaj više

According to Kossev, Kurti praised Kosovo as a „democratic state“ that protects the rights of Serbs, arguing that they are „more free“ and that Kosovo now has „true integration.“ He claimed discussions in Brussels have shifted from Kosovo’s status to Serbia’s and that he was „honored to contribute“.

After a series of meetings with political officials in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kurti spoke at a conference organized by the Association of Independent Intellectuals „Circle 99“ in Sarajevo’s City Hall.

„Serbia wanted to replace mutual recognition with territorial division in Banjska“

Kurti accused Serbia of orchestrating „two terrorist attacks“ within a year — in Banjska on September 24, 2023, and a recent explosion on the Ibar-Lepenac canal. He argued there is no longer a „mass of nationalists fueling the war machinery of dictators“ in the Balkans and described the recent attacks as attempts to „revive nationalism among citizens.“

Kurti detailed his interpretation of the events in Banjska, alleging that on September 24, 2023, Serbia attempted to replace mutual recognition based on the Basic Agreement with a territorial division. He recounted how his interior minister informed him that morning of a police officer’s killing near the Banjska Orthodox Monastery.

„Serbia sought a religious war in Banjska“

Kurti claimed around 40 civilians from Novi Sad were present in the monastery, which he interpreted as an attempt by Belgrade to „add a religious flavor“ to the conflict. He alleged Serbia hoped Kosovo police would fire at the monastery, causing civilian casualties, and circulate images of a bullet-riddled 14th-century Orthodox site worldwide. However, he praised Kosovo police for avoiding the trap, highlighting their battle against 80 attackers until special units arrived.

Kurti dismissed the attackers as „mercenaries“ motivated by money rather than any ideological cause. „They left behind their wounded and dead comrades because mercenaries care only about money,“ he stated.

„Serbs in northern Kosovo are more free than before“

Kurti claimed significant progress in Northern Kosovo, asserting the police now enjoy legitimacy among the Serb community. „There is no longer fear of criminal groups, parallel structures, or bullies terrorizing people regardless of ethnicity,“ he said, arguing that this change has unnerved Belgrade, which previously controlled the region but now resorts to „terrorist actions.“

„They use terrorism, we use democracy“

Kurti argued Kosovo no longer faces internal security threats that cannot be resolved, emphasizing that Kosovo addresses issues caused by Serbia through the „force of law in a democratic state.“ He contrasted Serbia’s alleged use of terrorism with Kosovo’s democratic achievements, claiming, „For three and a half years, we have been continuously winning.“

Responding to claims from Belgrade about the rights of Serbs in Kosovo, Kurti argued that „Kosovo Serbs will become European citizens before the citizens of Serbia.“ He assured the audience that Kosovo guarantees the rights of all its citizens, emphasizing efforts to protect the Serbian language and representation of Serbs in public institutions.

„No to blackmail“

Kurti criticized the concept of a Community of Serb Municipalities, describing it as an „attempt to extort“ Kosovo into granting ethnic privileges. He argued that Kosovo’s democratic principles prevent such demands, calling instead for mutual recognition.

Kurti claimed discussions in Brussels have shifted away from Kosovo’s status, declaring that Kosovo is an independent democratic republic. Instead, the focus is now on Serbia’s status, with its future dependent on its relations with Kosovo, he said.

„Serbia is the most kitsch state in Europe“

Kurti also criticized Serbia’s political culture and media landscape, calling it the „most kitsch state in Europe.“ He contrasted Serbia’s past, exemplified by figures like Zoran Djindjic and Slavko Curuvija, with its present leadership under Aleksandar Vucic and Zeljko Mitrovic. He claimed that Serbia is ruled by parties linked to genocide and criticised its „cultural decline“.

Kurti concluded by stating that Serbia must respect its past defeats and recognize Kosovo’s independence, warning that continued denial reflects an unwillingness to move forward.