THE ATTITUDE TOWARDS THE ALBANIAN AND OTHER MINORITIES IN LINE WITH THE EUROPEAN CRITERIA

17. July 2018.

Belgrade – “Some politicians from South Serbia are trying to manipulate the feelings of the Albanian minority in order to establish an artificial balance with the difficult position of Serbs in Kosovo and Metohija,” Brankica Janković, the Commissioner for the Protection of Equality, said for the “Evening News” daily.

According to Ms. Jankovic, this refers to the current political moment of the accelerated search for the so-called solution for Kosovo, but it is dangerous, because such statements are intended to encourage divisions and animosities.

Ms. Jankovic said that while commenting on the request of the leaders of ethnic Albanians from Presevo, Bujanovac and Medvedja for obtaining the same rights as Serbs in the northern Kosovo, adding that "the sensitive issue of equality should be especially watch out for the devastating impact of political manipulation."

The Commissioner underscored that the attitude towards the Albanian and other minorities was in line with the European criteria.

"The attitude towards minorities is an extremely sensitive issue. It cost us, in the Balkans, dearly and it is one of the priority issues in Serbia. Whoever turned to us, did not remain without adequate protection, "she said, adding that half of the complaints referrred to Roma.

When asked whether she thought the speech of some politicians was discriminatory, Ms. Jankovic replied affirmatively.

"There are cases when politicians do not care. I often, especially during election campaigns, warned that regradless of their disagreements, they could have a political dialogue while respecting each other,“ she said.

"It is important that people with the largest political and social influences send a very clear message about the unacceptability of such behavior," Ms. Jankovic said.

The number of citizens’ complaints to the Commissioner has recently increased by around 20 percent, she said, adding that it was understandable and expected.

Ms. Jankovic said that it was important for citizens to report violations and that they should not be afraid to do it.

“Successfully resolved cases send a message about the unacceptability of such behavior, "said Ms. Jankovic in an interview granted to "The Evening News" daily.

Source: “Tanjug” news agency, “The Evening News” daily and Coordination Body