THERE IS NO DISCUSSION ON TERRITORY EXCHANGE

How do you comment on the move of the Albanian parties that only they make the ruling coalition? After 18 years, there are no Serbs among the government representatives in Bujanovac.

Responsible and educated people, as well as the societies with proven democratic values and principles, generally advocate that a government proportional to the ethnic composition of the population be formed in interethnic environments. We believe that the Serbs and Albanians should live together, and not next to each other, in the coming period too, as they did in the past, and that their life together is a benefit for both of them. The newly formed local self-government will continue to operate according to the Constitution and the laws of our state, while its work will be monitored and controlled, like that of all other municipalities, by the competent state bodies. If the local leaders of the Albanians think that they should manage the local self-government on their own, I have nothing against it. But, everyone must know that we have not given up the population living in this area and this part of the territory of our country, but on the contrary, our obligation is to enable all people to live and work freely in their centuries-old hearths and preserve the territorial integrity of our country in the way that affirms Serbia as a country of serious and responsible people.

You welcomed the participation of Albanian parties in the elections in Serbia. Could you have guessed such an epilogue in Bujanovac?

True, because such a political decision is positive, and benefits not only the residents of the Albanian nationality who live and work in our country. The Albanians now have three members of the parliament in the Republic of Serbia, and can influence decisions that contribute to resolving not just their problems. My advanced age does not allow me to be surprised by someone's behavior or decisions, but it requires me to work in the interest of our country in a peaceful and dignified way, without many words and making a lot of fuss.

What do you think about the proposal of the representatives of the Albanian minority parties to get the position of the Minister of Public Administration and Local Self-Government, as well as the position of the President of the Coordination Body?

I support it, if and when a political agreement is reached.   

What do you say about the move of the Albanian politicians who are asking for treatment in Pristina, because they are afraid that they would not have the proper treatment in other cities in Serbia?

I have nothing against the Albanians being treated in other areas, by the medical staff they trust, under the conditions prescribed by the laws of our country. When the closest relatives and some leaders of the local Albanians, but also the Albanians from Kosovo and Metohija, can be treated in top healthcare institutions in Belgrade, Novi Sad or Nis, why shouldn't the citizens of these three municipalities do the same if they want to be treated in Kosovo and Metohija. I cannot comment on the statements of some Albanian leaders about the distrust of the Albanians in being treated in hospitals of the Republic of Serbia, where there are no doctors belonging to their nationality, since I would have to mention some people who have advocated such attitudes in the past, who were severely punished not only by their countrymen.

Representatives of the Albanians are asking to participate in the negotiations between Belgrade and Pristina. Do you think that the real goal is actually to push Presevo, Bujanovac and Medvedja towards the so-called Kosovo?

Presevo, Bujanovac and Medvedja were, are and will remain integral parts of the Republic of Serbia, and there is no discussion about that, let alone negotiations with anyone, having in mind the views of our state, the international community, and even the highest statesmen from Tirana, if that is of  any Importance. The exchange of territories or joining the so-called Kosovo is sought by those who obviously do not know how many people lost their lives to live in communion with their neighbors, regardless of their national and religious affiliation.

How much is the story of high politics present in the field and among the population, or is it only reserved for politicians, while citizens are more concerned about local problems (which ones?)

High politics is intended for the people who are trained, educated or elected to get engaged in politics, but also who understand its good and bad decisions. What I know is that the "highest polics" advocated by the Serbs, Albanians, Roma and other residents of these three municipalities, is to enable them to work, live from their work and fulfill their life's desires in peace and harmony with the people they love and respect, including full respect for the law and their human rights and liberties.  If we, as a state, manage to meet their demands, and, among other things, employ the largest number of unemployed in these municipalities and enable them to work and live the life they want, then those who formed a single-ethnic local self-government, as well as all those who think like them, regardless of their nationality and religious affiliation, are not important and very quickly become only the exes.

Source: Evening News and Coordination Body