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The Government of the Republic of Serbia

In the service of citizens

Kosovo security forces not in accordance with Resolution 1244

Belgrade, 21 January 2009

Minister for Kosovo-Metohija Goran Bogdanovic today stated that the Serbian government will do all it can to prevent Kosovo security forces to operate in Kosovo-Metohija, as they can only destabilise the situation in the province and work against Serbs and other non-Albanians.

At a press conference held at the government building, Bogdanovic said that the government will oppose any further developing of these forces, through diplomatic means.

According to him, Serbs in the province are now afraid that these forces could develop into a military power which will work against them.

The Minister recalled that Serbs had very bad experiences with the Kosovo Liberation Army and the Kosovo Protection Corps and pointed out that there is no difference between these groups and the recently formed Kosovo security forces.

He stressed that the formation of these forces violates Resolution 1244, according to which only one military formation, KFOR, can operate in the province.

Bogdanovic reiterated that peace and stability in the region can only be achieved by demilitarising the entire province.

The Minister stressed that Belgrade will not form any Serbian security forces in Kosovo-Metohija, as it would only increase tension in the southern Serbian province.

Bogdanovic noted that there are between 350,000 and 400,000 weapons in Kosovo in private possession, which could be used against Serbs, as was done on March 17, 2004.

He said that the ministry will continue its diplomatic and legal battle for Kosovo within international institutions and at the same time economically strengthen Serbian and other non-Albanian ethnic communities.

This will be done by improving the economy and employment, he said.

He said that the ministry allocated nearly RSD 4 billion for Kosovo, which is almost one-third less than last year.

Despite that, we will continue to finance the return of Serbs and help socially imperilled families and those families of the kidnapped and displaced, Bogdanovic said.

The Ministry will continue to give legal support regarding the return of confiscated property, as well as assistance in education and health care, he said.

We will also work on solving the power supply problems and the construction of rural roads and other infrastructure in Serbian communities, the Minister announced.