Slobodan Petrovic is the Minister of Local Government Administration and one of five Deputy Prime Ministers of the Government of… Interview of Deputy Prime Minister Petrovic, given to the Slovenian newspaper Delo
Slobodan Petrovic: Independent Kosova is a fact
Maja Jakliç, Delo.si
07.06.2011, 06:42
Slobodan Petrovic is the Minister of Local Government Administration and one of five Deputy Prime Ministers of the Government of Kosova.
Ljubljana – He is also Head of the Independent Liberal Party (SLS), the largest Serb party in Kosova.
You represent that part of Kosovo’s Serbs who are not heard very often. You are also Deputy Prime Minister of the Kosovo Government. Why did you decide to take part in Kosovo’s state institutions?
It is mainly, because we wanted to take part in protecting the interests and rights of our community. We had representatives in Kosovo institutions before, but their role was not suitable, because their interests were too personal and narrow, so that most citizens of the Serb community in Kosovo had no benefits. SLS was established in 2006 with the aim of caring for our own destiny.
What about your cooperation with your colleagues [Albanians] in the Government? Do they cooperate sincerely with you?
The fact is that in life everything is temporary, and that only interest is timeless. So if there is an interest in something, everyone will work together. Fortunately, in our case there is a mutual interest, as it should be.
Is the independence of Kosovo for you a fact?
This is an issue that primarily has to do with states. They are the ones who recognize other countries, and the individuals or parties do not decide for this. In fact, SLS has expressed its support for Kosovo’s statehood. In a way we have compare it with the climate, which you can accept it or not accept it – you simply have to adjust. This is a fact.
So, do you live in Serbia or Kosovo?
Of course, in Kosovo.
Will the inhabitants of Kosovo be recognized as Kosovars?
I think this is not a priority issue for the citizens of Kosovo. It is very important that everyone have their identity and ability to protect their culture and traditions. This is an added value for Kosovo and is based on the values of the European Union. None of the parties does think about this issue.What about the north of Kosovo? The inhabitants usually do not agree with you. How to respond to complaints?
Kosovo’s north requires a little more work and attention. There lives mainly Serbian community, but must have into mind that two-thirds of Serbs in Kosovo live in the south side of the Ibar River and a third in the north of it. Also, they have the most opportunity to challenge [Pristina], they are on the border with Serbia, which is investing a lot in that part of Kosovo which enable them to fight for their goals.
How does your party cooperate with Belgrade?
Unfortunately, there is no cooperation what we would like to have it or what it should be. When the SLS party entered into the political waters, it has assumed a great risk. The liberal idea was not a tradition in Kosovo so this was a kind of political adventurism. However, we believe in what we do. This is why we have problems with the politics of Belgrade as we defend the truth and not theory, the future and not history. The frictions are there. However, I wish to stress that Belgrade has a lot of people who understand our policy. Especially important is the change in the foreign policy of Serbia over Kosovo. I know that they don’t like us, but the fact that they can not ignore us because we won the support of the Serb community. I expect that over time more and more will be on our side as evidenced by the statements and activities of daily negotiation team leader Borko Stefanovic.
You have mentioned the negotiations between Belgrade and Pristina. What do you expect of them?
I expect a more active and important role from Brussels and Washington as this will ensure the resolution of some technical issues which affect our citizens and that are very important in their daily lives.
What end results do you want?
The same ones that were already at the beginning, such as the solution to the problem of plates. There are two types of registration plates in Kosovo which you can not find anywhere in the world. This is a problem from a technical standpoint as well as economic one, as we have to pay two insurances. In addition there are many other issues, such as documents, cadastre, telecommunication systems, and electric power … All these are technical issues that are solvable – if there is a willingness for a solution. These issues must be addressed urgently and supported by both parties. In addition, the third party is involved in the negotiations – the international community is there to ensure success. I am careful optimist that this time we will have concrete results.
Belgrade wants to negotiate on the status of Kosovo, Prishtina doesn’t. Is this dialogue of the deaf? Can someone defer?
Agenda of these talks is determined by the one which has offered it – in this case Brussels. The European Union said at the beginning that talks are technical in which the issue of status will not be discussed. This is something known, but considering the fact of this year’s elections, it is understandable this topic be used. Another fact that is mentioned and that is very dangerous is the division of Kosovo. This would cause great turmoil that would spread to other countries. Among others are open issues of Presevo, Bujanovac, Sandzak, Vojvodina, and who knows what other countries. This will trigger the domino effect leading to the creation of many other problems.
What about the exchange of territories?
We live in the 21st century. The trend towards the creation of the state on the basis of ethnicity has led us in the past in major wars and disasters. We have a shared experience that is full of bad. If this mistake is repeated, we’d feel the consequences. I believe that the region is now very experienced with more wisdom, and today’s leaders will not allow such nonsense again. The new ethnic state has no prospect and all those who offer us such an idea will turn us back to one or two centuries.
What significance has the recent arrest of Ratko Mladic for Serbia?
This was obligation towards the international community but even greater obligation towards the Serbian people. A large percentage of Serbs are not properly informed about all these wars. I think the arrest of Mladic has crucial importance for the Serb people as you can look straight in the eye to the unpleasant truth. The arrest is a message that all criminals will be brought to justice.
How do you comment the charges of reporter of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe Dick Marty for the inhuman treatment of human beings and trafficking in human organs in Kosovo, which also fall on Prime Minister Hashim Thaci?
Our position is that no one is guilty until proven guilty, but we strongly support the investigation. It is in the interest of everyone, including those mentioned in the report, that the truth is found. If the report’s allegations against someone are proved, I’m sure it will be immediately submitted to the court
Do Government and Assembly have the same attitude?
Yes. Both the Government and the Assembly invite investigators to quickly discover the truth and to determine whether the people mentioned in the report have actually committed crimes or not. If the crimes were committed, they should be tried, if not, this story should end.
Have you ever thought to leave the Government because of Marty’s report?
Government was established at the time of publication of the report, therefore together with the party we were under pressure. We were often been asked, how can we be in such a Government. But we had a clear answer: we got the support of the people, so we will fight to improve their lives. We do not have the right for personal views. However, no one is above the law, even Prime Minister, especially when it comes to such serious charges.